Laura Whitmore has shared a heartbreaking message on Twitter following the news of her friend Caroline Flack’s death.
Laura took over the presenting reins from Caroline on Love Island when she stood down from presenting the current series following her arrest and subsequent charge for assault.
On Saturday afternoon Laura shared a poem and a picture of her with Caroline, which she captioned: “I’m trying to find the words but I can’t.”
Caroline was found dead on Saturday afternoon at her London home after taking her own life.
Her family said in a statement: “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.”
After she was confirmed as Caroline’s replacement on Love Island, Laura said: “I want to thank ITV for trusting me at the helm of this huge show. I wish it was in better circumstances; Caroline is a brilliant host and also a friend.
“We’ve spoken a lot in the last few days since she stepped down. She has been very kind to me and strongly pushed me for this role. I’ve watched her host every series and know I have big boots to fill. I will try and do it justice.”
Ahead of her first court hearing Caroline told fans she was going through the “worst time of her life”.
She wrote on Instagram at the time: “This is the worst time of my life. I don’t know where to go to. Where to look. Who to trust. Or I even am.”
In the last few weeks, the presenter had been keeping a low profile, revealing she’d been “advised not to go on social media”, and recently returned to the UK after spending some time out in the States.
However, she did post a few times on Instagram, to wish Laura luck as the new host of Love Island, and ahead of the National Television Awards, where the ITV2 dating show had been nominated in the Best Challenge Show category.
She last posted on Instagram on Friday with a collage of snaps with her dog, captioned simply with a love heart emoji.
Useful websites and helplines:
- Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393
- Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill.)
- The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email: help@themix.org.uk
- Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0300 5000 927 (open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on www.rethink.org.
