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15th Feb 2020

Dawn O’Porter, Davina McCall and Dermot O’Leary lead tributes to ‘diamond’ Caroline Flack

Keeley Ryan

Dawn O’Porter, Davina McCall and Dermot O’Leary have led the tributes to Caroline Flack.

The 40-year-old’s family confirmed she had passed away as they issued a statement on Saturday.

“We can confirm that our Caroline passed away today, the 15th of February,” they said. “We would ask that the press respect the privacy of the family at this difficult time.”

Sky News reported that a family lawyer had confirmed that Caroline had died by suicide.

A number of tributes to the presenter have poured in since the heartbreaking news on Saturday evening.

“Just the worst news. Poor soul,” The X Factor’s Dermot O’Leary said as he posted a photo of the two of them on his Instagram account. “Sending love to hers, and yours. Hold them tight tonight people. X  Candles lit.”

 

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Dawn O’Porter told her followers that she felt “lost” as she paid tribute to her “dear friend”.

“At some point I will find my words, and I will write the tribute she deserves,” she added on Twitter.

“Devastating news about Caroline. It has become so easy for people to forget or ignore that famous people are humans with hearts who were once children,” broadcaster Angela Scanlon said in her own tribute to Caroline.

“We are all part of the problem. I hope she’s found her peace and that her family will be given some peace too.”

“I’m so so sad to hear about @carolineflack1,” Davina McCall said on Twitter.

“I don’t even know what to say. But my heart goes out to her friends and family x I might be a bit quiet tonight on social media .. just doesn’t seem right.”

Laura Whitmore shared a poem alongside a throwback photo of herself and Caroline, as she told her followers she was “trying to find the words” to pay tribute to her friend.

A number of former Love Island contestants have taken to social media to pay tribute to Caroline.

Jack Fincham, who won the 2018 series alongside Dani Dyer, said he was “truly in shock after hearing such devastating news.”

“It was a pleasure knowing you Caroline my thoughts are with your family and loved ones,” he added.

Wes Nelson, who also starred in the 2018 series, called the presenter a “diamond” and “one of the warmest funniest people I’ve ever met.”

Amber Davies, who won the 2017 series with Kem Cetinay, said that she would “always adore” Caroline.

“I am lost for words. My heart is completely broken,” she wrote. “Caroline I will always adore you, we all love you so much. this will hurt forever.” 

Eyal Booker said he was “beyond devastated and shocked” as he shared a tribute to the presenter.

“You lit up every room I ever saw you in. May you rest in peace and your spirit live on. You touched the lives of so many people,” he added.

Other Islanders took to Twitter to share tributes to Caroline.

Caroline rose to fame in 2002 when she starred in Bo’ Selecta!. She has since presented shows like I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! NOW! and The Xtra Factor. 

She presented Love Island from 2015 until 2019.

Anyone who may be affected by this story can contact The Samaritans on 116-123.