Following her arrest for allegedly assaulting her boyfriend, Caroline Flack was found unresponsive in her home in London. Until her domestic violence charges, Flack was a beloved British telvision show host. While she was awaiting trial, she was taken off her show “Love Island” and subjected to online bullying. After a bad mental breakdown, Flack ended her own life. Flack was the face of British TV networks ITV and their sister channel ITV 2 and, despite the negative press around her, had a bright future ahead of her.
The 40-year-old British television host achieved fame once she started hosting the hit show “Love Island” but prior to her career in presenting, Flack started off as an actress. She studied dance and music theatre at the Bodywork Company in Cambridge before landing her first role in television. In 2002, Flack got a role on the comedy sketch show “Bo’ Selecta!” as Bubbles.
She later started her presenting career in 2003 with “The International Pepsi Chart Show.” The year 2005 was a huge stepping stone in her career; she went on to present at “E4 Music” and co-present at “The Games: Live at Trackside.” Along with this she had a regular segment on the show “When Games Attack.” In 2006 she co-presented a children’s TV show called “TMi.”
In 2009 she began hosting the ITV2 reality show “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here NOW!” She later took a break from hosting to go back to her roots and compete in BBC Three’s “Dancing on Wheels” contest, which she won. She also hosted “Xtra Factor” for three seasons. She also participated in the show “Strictly Come Dancing” with professional dancer Pasha Kovalev. The two became series champions in 2014. She later moved away from television for a bit and played Roxie Hart in “Chicago.” She also won a TV BAFTA for best reality and constructed factual show.
Flack had created a name for herself within the industry, but she didn’t get her big break until she hosted the relaunch of popular TV show “Love Island.” Flack quickly became the face of the show and helped make the relaunch a massive success. Her iconic slow walks and witty banter brought the show together. Her personality was a perfect match for the program and it was clear that she was extremely passionate about the show. Today it is one of the most watched reality TV shows in the U.K. Along with “Love Island,” Flack hosted spin-off versions of the show.
Following the news of her death, fans, former contestants and current “Love Island” members flooded social media to show their support for her family and pay their respects.
Love Island founder Chris Hughes tweeted out “Caroline missed everyday. Great tribute. Very touching, sure she’s watching from up there #LoveIsland” after the news broke.
Laura Whitmore, the current host of “Love Island,” paid tribute to Flack during the show. She said: “The past week has been extremely difficult, coming to terms with the loss of our friend and colleague, Caroline. We’re thinking of her family and everyone who knew her at this time. Caroline loved ‘Love Island,’ she loved love and that’s why tonight’s finale is dedicated to her.”
In an interview with The Sun, former contestant Belle Hassan said, “When she came into the villa she was there for us, a shoulder to cry on, a helping hand and an ear to listen to us.”
Season 3 contestant Amber Davies tweeted, “This is going to hurt forever,” followed by a picture of her, her partner and Flack hugging.
Season 2 contestant Kady McDermott also tweeted: “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. Heartbreaking”
Flack’s death was terrible and it brings up something major. Flack was the victim of severe bullying from not only the internet but also the press. Following her arrest, news outlets rushed to spread the news and make the TV host look as bad as possible without knowing the full story. This isn’t the first time Flack has faced this. Every mistake she had ever made would end up on the front page of publications, some spreading false information.
Flack isn’t the only celebrity who has had to face this problem, but her situation was amplified by social media and everyone ganging up against her all at once. Fans and those close to Flack are calling for action from the U.K. government to hold media outlets accountable for damaging articles. An online petition is being circulated to spread awareness and hopefully implement “Caroline’s Law” that’ll protect victims of bullying from the media.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at
U.S.: 1-800-273-8255
U.K.: 116 123
Both lines are 24/7.
