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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Sara-Aisha Kent

Love Island fans reflect on missing Caroline Flack as first summer show airs since death

Love Island returned for its first summer edition since 2019 last night.

And as the series began - which aired a Winter version in January 2020 - fans of the much-loved show reflected on the loss of Caroline Flack who had hosted the ITV romance show from 2015 until 2019 before tragically taking her own life in February 2020.

TV viewers took to social media to share that the presenter and her family were in their thoughts as they tuned into the series now hosted by Irish Laura Whitmore - who they praised for confidently commanding the camera.

One emotional fan typed on Twitter : "Just catching up on tonight's episode of Love Island. I miss Caroline Flack so much! Imagine how she would have walked into the villa! Rest in peace! Gotta take a break before I continue."

Others added: "Caught the first episode of #LoveIsland and I think it's gonna be a great series, I've so missed , it's still sad without Caroline Flack though" and "Watched a little bit of Love Island.. Must admit as much as I like Laura Whitmore, I definitely miss Caroline Flack."

Love Island fans reflected on the loss of Caroline Flack when the new series aired last night (ITV/Shutterstock)

More Love Island fans praised mother-of-one Laura for doing a great job on the launch show as they wrote sweet messages.

" @thewhitmore Caroline flack would be proud of you tonight you have done her proud and have taken on her baby so well keep your head up xx," a watcher penned.

Another echoed: "I like Laura Whitmore but I do miss Caroline Flack! #Loveisland I hope she watching from heaven."

One more commented: "Laura whitmore does a great job but I really miss Caroline Flack on Love Island."

Last year, Caroline was found dead at the age of 40 at her east London home after taking her own life.

The TV star took her own life in February 2020 (ITV/REX)
Laura Whitmore now presents the looking for love reality series (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

An ITV spokeswoman said: "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."

Colleagues at The X Factor also posted a touching tribute on Twitter, saying: "We are absolutely devastated by this tragic news.

"Caroline was a much loved member of The X Factor family and a huge part of its success over the years. We send our deepest condolences to her family and friends."

The presenter had been due to stand trial for an alleged assault on her boyfriend Lewis Burton, an incident which plunged her career and personal life into crisis.

As the show launched - the first summer edition since Caroline's death - fans praised Laura (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Caroline pleaded not guilty to assault by beating and was banned from contacting Lewis - but he continued to support her.

After she was arrested for allegedly assaulting her boyfriend in December 2019, she stepped down from hosting duties on Love Island.

Caroline announced she was leaving her job on Love Island just days before she was due to fly out to South Africa to host the first-ever Winter Series.

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Confirming the news, she wrote on Instagram : "Love Island has been my world for the last five years, it's the best show on telly.

"In order not to detract from the attention of the upcoming series I feel the best thing I can do is stand down for Series 6."

It was then announced that Laura - who was close pals with Caroline - was going to front the looking for love show.

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