Caroline Flack is ‘staying at a London hotel because she doesn’t feel safe in her own home’… as ‘friends fear for her well-being’ after assault charge
Caroline Flack is reportedly staying at a London hotel because she ‘doesn’t feel safe in her own home’.
The television personality, 40, stood down from her Love Island hosting duties on Tuesday after she was charged with assaulting her boyfriend Lewis Burton, 27.
Now friends and family are allegedly refusing to leave Caroline on her own over fears for her well-being, as she is set to appear at Highbury Magistrates Court on Monday.
Hiding: Caroline Flack is reportedly staying at a London hotel because she ‘doesn’t feel safe in her own home’
Caroline’s pal told The Sun: ‘We’ve made sure she’s not alone, she’s not a violent person at all and to have this charge hanging over her is so damaging.
‘It’s just so upsetting, it was a domestic between the two of them and has been completely overblown.’
Caroline is thought to be staying at a London hotel until after the New Year and is reportedly planning to go on holiday abroad when the first winter series Love Island airs as she ‘can’t bear to watch it’.
MailOnline has contacted Caroline’s representatives for comment.
Withdrawal: Caroline, 40, stood down from her Love Island hosting duties on Tuesday after she was charged with assaulting her boyfriend Lewis Burton, 27 (pictured in October)
The television presenter decided to stand down from Love Island on Tuesday, four days after she was charged with assault.
Last Thursday, police were called to Caroline’s £1.1million North London flat after what was said to be a jealous argument with Lewis got out of hand.
The presenter, is said to be ‘devastated’, but for now, is only standing down from the sixth series, which ITV confirmed will begin on January 12.
Caroline broke her silence on Instagram and wrote: ‘There have been a significant number of media reports and allegations in regard to my personal life.
Shock: Caroline and Lewis have maintained that things are OK between them and she asserted on Tuesday that she loves him (pictured in October)
‘While matters were not as have been reported I am committed to co-operating with the appropriate authorities and I can’t comment further on these matters until the legal process is over.
‘However Love Island has been my world for the last five years, it’s the best show on telly. In order not to detract attention from the upcoming series I feel the best thing I can do is stand down from Series 6.
‘I want to wish the incredible team working on the show a fantastic series in Cape Town.’
Caroline continued: ‘And on a really personal level. I have never experienced such kindness and love in my whole life.
‘Not just from friends and family who are always the greatest but also from total strangers who send messages to me offering help and understanding… Please know that I see them and my boyfriend Lewis. I love you x.’
Over: Caroline shared this post on Instagram on Tuesday as she broke her silence on the matter – the decision will no doubt prove to be a logistical nightmare for ITV
‘I’ve been offered help and understanding’: Caroline also thanked fans for their kindness and asserted her love for her boyfriend Lewis at the same time
An ITV spokesperson told MailOnline shortly after her post: ‘ITV has a long standing relationship with Caroline and we understand and accept her decision.
‘We will remain in contact with her over the coming months about future series of Love Island.’
A source also told MailOnline: ‘The door is firmly open to Caroline.’
MailOnline can reveal ITV is gearing up to announce that Irish presenter, Laura Whitmore, will host the show, as bosses are ‘keen to keep it in the family.’
Laura, 34, is good friends with Caroline and she is also dating the show’s voiceover, Iain Stirling, 31, and she already knows the crew well through Iain.
Surprise news: It has also been reported that Caroline’s pal Laura Whitmore has had a secret meeting with Love Island bosses about taking over as host for the winter series