Tributes paid to Caroline Flack who has sadly passed away
Her family confirmed the news
Last updated 17th Feb 2020
On Saturday 15th February, the sad news broke that former Love Island host and TV personality Caroline Flack had sadly passed away at the age of 40. A statement released by Caroline's family read, "We can confirm that our Caroline passed away today on the 15th February. We would ask that the press both respect the privacy of the family at this difficult time."
Friends and those who had worked with Caroline took to social media to pay tribute to Caroline.
An ITV spokeswoman said, "Everybody at Love Island and ITV is shocked and saddened by this desperately sad news.
"Caroline was a much loved member of the Love Island team and our sincere thoughts and condolences are with her family and friends."
Olly Murs, who worked with Caroline on The X Factor wrote, 'Caz... 💔😣 f--- this hurts! My heart is forever broken.. I’ve lost something today that I’ll never ever get back.. and that’s you.
'From the first moment we met in Birmingham 2011 and had literally 10mins to say hello, get mic’d up and head out to work together on Xtra. We never stopped laughing, flirting (who can forget that), eating cheeseburger chasers, singing (which I always loved hearing), the arguments (which I never won), the disagreements on what jokes to say or what outfits you should wear, these are the moments I’ve always cherished but right now as I write this it’s hit me I won’t have them moments again. I haven’t stopped crying since the news, after we stopped working together in 2015 we didn’t see each other as much as we should have but we always spoke on the phone or messaged plus whenever I did see ya out and about, like a sister we’d just kiss and make up and was back being us every single time. I remember messaging you at your toughest time to let you know that I never read or listened to any of the crap people were saying about you, I was just worried about my friend. I always knew how fragile you were but I never ever thought this would be the last contact we would have. We always said we was friends for life and trust me you will be with me forever. My kids will know you, my grandkids will and then I’ll see you again, give you a huge hug, a huge kiss, get mic’d up and have you by my side again.
'This will hurt forever, love you cazza, Your Ols 💔🙏🏻😖' sic
Love Island voice over Iain Stirling also paid a touching tribute, writing, 'Today my friend wandered into heaven. I bet it was in slow motion and sassy as f---. Love you x' (sic)
Cheryl then wrote, 'This is just so utterly gut wrenchingly tragic. I can’t even find my words 💔 rest in peace Caroline.
'I wish we could just be kinder. I wish we could just be open minded to each other and I wish we could be more understanding and mindful of one another and what issues people may be struggling with beneath the surface. We’re all human!
'My heart aches for her family and loved ones at this terrible time of pain. Sending love 💔'. (sic)
Long term friend Kirsty Gallacher posted, 'I love you darling ❤️ You were my little sister, 20 years of friendship. We grew up together in this industry. Fun, kind and brilliant in every way. You don’t know how much we’ll miss you. My heart is broken'.
Current Love Island host and close friend Laura Whitmore posted a photo of the two together along with a touching poem about loss.
The X Factor posted that Caroline was a much loved member of The X Factor and sent their deepest condolences.
Caroline won Strictly Come Dancing in 2014, with the TV show paying tribute to her 'infectious energy and passion for dance'.
The official Love Island account posted that they are 'shocked and saddened by this desperately sad news'.
Love Island 2019 star, Maura Higgins, posted a photo of the words 'In a world where you can be anything, be kind' alongside the caption that it was 'heartbreaking news'. This was the same post that Caroline posted on her own Instagram in early December.
Love Island 2018 runner-up Laura Anderson posted, 'Caroline will always be a beautiful, funny, talented and unique woman with a lot of passion and heart for all that she did'.
Other Love Island stars also paid tribute to the support and friendship that Caroline had provided to them.
Presenters Ant and Dec paid tribute from their joint account writing, 'It is beyond sad. Beyond words. So tragic. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family'.
Comedian Jack Whitehall paid tribute to a 'fun, kind and beautiful person'.
Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli posted he was 'shocked and so so sad' alongside a photo of a rose .
X Factor Presenter Dermot O'Leary sent his love to 'hers, and yours', adding, 'Hold them tight tonight people. X'
Chat show host Jonathan Ross revealed he had been in touch with Caroline recently and commented on how 'talented and smart and likeable' she was.
The news comes just months after Caroline stepped down from her presenting role on ITV2 show Love Island.
ITV2 have revealed they have cancelled Sunday night's (16th February) episode of Love Island, with the show expected to return on Monday 17th February.
Our thoughts are with Caroline's family and friends at this difficult time.
If you're feeling affected by the news, please contact Samaritans: call for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.