LONDON: Tributes have poured in for ex-Love Island host Caroline Flack, after she was found dead in her London flat.
A lawyer for her family said she had taken her own life.
Her management company said the 40-year-old had been “under huge pressure” since she was accused of assaulting her boyfriend – which she denied.
In a statement, they criticised prosecutors for pursuing her “show trial”, even after her partner said he did not support it.
She was due to stand trial next month.
In response, the Crown Prosecution Service said: “Given the tragic circumstances, we will not comment on the specifics of this case at this stage.”
Flack had co-hosted The X Factor and won Strictly Come Dancing in 2014, as well as presenting ITV’s Love Island.
She stood down from the dating show after she was charged with assaulting her partner, tennis player Lewis Burton, in December.
Following her death, an ITV spokeswoman said Flack was a “much-loved member of the Love Island team”.
Celebrities and ex-Love Island stars also paid tribute, describing her death as “heartbreaking”.
Laura Whitmore, who took over presenting Love Island following Flack’s arrest, posted a picture of the pair on Twitter and wrote: “I’m trying to find the words but I can’t.”
Many of those who paid tribute urged for greater kindness towards people going through difficult circumstances.
This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield wrote on Instagram: “You poor darling girl my heart is breaking #BeKind”.
Eamonn Holmes said he was “shocked beyond belief” and questioned whether there would be “repercussions” for Love Island.
Kady McDermott, who featured in the show’s second series, said: “Devastated to hear the news about Caroline Flack.
“Caroline was nothing but kind to me and that’s how I will always remember her.
“Saddens me so much when people think the only way out is death. My prayers and thoughts go out to Caroline’s friends and family.”
Confirming that Saturday’s episode of Love Island would not air, an ITV spokeswoman said: “Everybody at Love Island and ITV is shocked and saddened by this desperately sad news.”
—-Courtesy: (BBC)
