ITV's director of television, Kevin Lygo, has expressed the network's devastation following the death of former Love Island host Caroline Flack. In a statement, Lygo described Flack as a passionate and dedicated presenter whose energy contributed to the show's success. He confirmed that after she stepped down following an assault charge, the door was left open for her return, and the team remained in regular contact offering support.
Flack, 40, was found dead in her north London home on Saturday. A lawyer for her family confirmed she had taken her own life. The Love Island team will pay tribute to her during tonight's episode, which airs after two episodes were cancelled over the weekend. Companion shows Love Island: Aftersun and the Morning After podcast have also been postponed.
Flack had been charged with assaulting her boyfriend, Lewis Burton, and was due to stand trial. She denied the charge. Her management company said she had been under huge pressure since the charge. Burton, who did not want the case to proceed, paid tribute to Flack on Instagram, expressing his pain and promising to make her proud.
Following her death, a petition calling for 'Caroline's Law' to prevent media bullying has garnered over 500,000 signatures. The Crown Prosecution Service defended its decision to proceed with the case, stating it follows a two-stage test based on evidence and public interest. Former chief prosecutor Nazir Afzal suggested the case was deemed serious enough to proceed regardless of the victim's wishes.
