Caroline Flack: British presenter dies aged 40

The former Love Island host was found dead in her London flat, her family said

Love Island TV presenter Caroline Flack, centre, escorted by police, as she arrives at Highbury Magistrates' Court in London, Monday, Dec. 23, 2019.  Flack has stepped down as host of the upcoming winter series of the TV dating show, Love Island, after being charged with assault of former professional tennis player and model Burton. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias)
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Caroline Flack, the former host of hit British TV show Love Island, has died at the age of 40, her family confirmed on Saturday.

She was found dead in her London flat.

Her lawyer said the TV star had taken her own life.

A family spokesperson told British tabloid The Sun: "We can confirm that our Caroline passed away today on the 15th February.

"We would ask that the press both respect the privacy of the family at this difficult time."

Ms Flack left her presenting role at the ITV reality show after she was charged with assault of her partner.

Appearing in court in December, she pleaded not guilty to assault and was granted bail. She was due to face trial in March.

ITV said in a statement that "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," the network statement said.

As soon as the news broke, fellow celebrities paid tribute to Ms Flack on social media.

Singer Mylene Class wrote: "Completely shocked by the news. @carolineflack1 I hope you’ve found your peace x RIP."

Eamonn Holmes, presenter of ITV show This Morning, tweeted: "Caroline Flack …. Dear God. Shocked beyond belief. May she have found peace . #Rip Has to be repercussions for Love Island now surely?"

Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis, two former Love Island contestants, died by suicide in 2018 and 2019.