Love Island will not air on Sunday night out of respect for Caroline Flack and her family, ITV has confirmed.
The reality show’s current series will continue on Monday with a tribute to its former presenter Caroline, who was found dead at her London home after taking her own life on Saturday aged 40.
The broadcaster said in a statement: “Many people at ITV knew Caroline well and held her in great affection. All of us are absolutely devastated at this tragic news.
“After careful consultation between Caroline’s representatives and the Love Island production team and given how close we still are to the news of Caroline’s tragic death we have decided not to broadcast tonight’s Love Island out of respect for Caroline’s family.
“Love Island will return tomorrow night which will include a tribute to Caroline who will be forever in our hearts.”
On Saturday night, ITV decided not to air Love Island spin-off, Unseen Bits.
A spokesperson said in a statement: “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.”
Caroline had presented all five series of Love Island after it was rebooted in 2015 by ITV2.
She stepped down from hosting the sixth series following her arrest and subsequent charge for assault in December.
Caroline was due to face trial in March after pleading not guilty to assaulting boyfriend Lewis Burton at her home.
Laura Whitmore took over as the host of Love Island last month, and on Sunday, she paid heart-wrenching tribute to her friend and colleague on her BBC Radio 5Live show.
“Anyone who knew Caroline knew she was vivacious, loving and had a passion for life, which is why none of this makes sense,” she said.
Caroline’s boyfriend Lewis Burton, who she had been banned from contacting as she awaited trial, said he was “in so much pain” after her death.
He wrote on Instagram: “I will be your voice baby I promise I will ask all the questions you wanted and I will get all the answers nothing will bring you back but I will try make you proud everyday.”
Following her death, Caroline’s management blasted the Crown Prosecution Service in a strongly-worded statement for pursuing “a show trial that was not only without merit but not in the public interest”.
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.