ITV has claimed the corporation “constantly” offered guidance to Caroline Flack, following her tragic death at the age of 40.
In the weeks leading up to her death, Caroline had pleaded not guilty to an assault charge, after being arrested at her home in December, and was awaiting trial.
On Monday morning’s Good Morning Britain, guest presenter Richard Madeley shared a message from ITV bosses, who assured viewers they had been in regular “close contact” with the late Love Island host about her legal battle.
“We ought to say one thing,” Richard told viewers. “ITV has asked us just to make it clear – because there’s been some discussion about this – that they did actually keep in close contact with Caroline since this domestic incident and they were constantly offering her assistance and help.”
He added: “They wanted to make that clear on this programme.”
In January, it was revealed that Caroline had stepped down as host of the first ever winter series of Love Island, claiming she didn’t want to be a “distraction” from the show.
Shortly after this, a producer maintained that the door would have been open for Caroline to return as host of a future series.
Following the news that Caroline had taken her own life, ITV made the decision to pull Sunday night’s episode of Love Island, though the show will return on Monday, and will include a tribute to the late presenter.
A number of stars – including those who worked with Caroline on Love Island and Strictly Come Dancing – have been publicly paying their respects in the last few days.
Among them was Laura Whitmore, who opened her BBC Radio 5 Live show on Sunday with an emotional speech, urging her listeners to be more kind to one another.
Amanda Holden has also suggested that Caroline was “thrown to the dogs” following her assault charge, calling out what she described as the “criminal gaps” in the way the Love Island host was treated compared to other stars who have faced struggles recently.
Downing Street said Caroline’s death was a “tragedy”.
A No.10 spokesperson said: “Caroline’s death was a tragedy and our thoughts are with her family and friends at this very difficult time.”
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.
