Love Island fans call for the show to be AXED after Caroline Flack becomes third star to die… as Eamonn Holmes says there needs to be ‘repercussions’
- Family has been informed and in a statement tonight said: ‘We can confirm that our Caroline passed away’
- Tonight’s tragic news marks the third death of stars connected with the ITV2 dating show Love Island
- An ITV spokesperson 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’
- If you have been affected by this story, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org
Fans are taking to Twitter to demand Love Island is axed following the death of former presenter Caroline Flack, 40, on Saturday.
Her death is the third suicide related to the show following that of former contestants Mike Thalassitis and Sophie Gradon who both took their own lives after appearing on the show.
Among them was This Morning presenter Eamonn Holmes who paid tribute to Caroline while insisting there needs to be ‘repercussions.’
Tributes: Celebrities are paying tribute to Caroline Flack after the TV presenter is found dead in her flat on Saturday aged 40
He wrote on Twitter: ‘Caroline Flack …. Dear God. Shocked beyond belief. May she have found peace. #Rip Has to be repercussions for Love Island now surely ?’
Caroline presented on Love Island for five seasons but stepped down for the current sixth season due to an assault charge.
MailOnline have reached out to Love Island representatives for comment.
So sad: Among them was This Morning presenter Eamonn Holmes who has called out the ITV show which Caroline was most famous for presenting
Heartbreaking: He wrote on Twitter: ‘Caroline Flack …. Dear God. Shocked beyond belief. May she have found peace. #Rip Has to be repercussions for Love Island now surely ?’
One fan said: ‘Really incredibly tragic to hear the passing of Caroline Flack. She did not deserve this at all. Hope she’s at peace now It’s time now to axe Love Island #RIPCaroline’
Another added: ‘I’m a fan of the show but I think it might be time to axe Love Island now, 3 deaths? It’s horrific. Mental health needs to be taken seriously.’
One said: ‘Axe this show it’s possible that it is causing mental health issues,how many people have to kill themselves until you take notice and end this show?’
While another added: ‘Axe Love Island. 3 people have now committed suicide.’
A fan called for the end saying: ‘Never was one for love island but i think we can sacrifice the drama and reality tv in the name of mental health and establishing healthier beauty standards, axe Love Island, 3 deaths is 3 too many.’
The sentiment was in many tweets with another saying: ‘Time to axe Love Island. It’s not only annoying, but it’s on suicide watch, for the same reasons as the Jeremy Kyle show… it’s audience.’
This comes after singer Boy George has slammed the Crown Prosecution Service for charging Caroline with assaulting her boyfriend Lewis Burton.
The Culture Club lead singer tweeted: ‘I hope all of you who attacked Caroline Flack even when her partner said he wanted no charges feel some sorrow today. This did not need to happen.
‘This is devastating news! And yes, I hope the @cpsuk feel even deeper sorrow.’
Actress Sheridan Smith also shared on Twitter: ‘When will things change? How many more? heartbreaking’
Big Brother star Rebecca Jane penned: ‘Genuinely I can’t get my head around the double standards.. #jeremykyle – 1 person in 15 years dies by suicide.. there’s an ENDLESS stream of venom from the press, public outrage & it’s taken off air #loveisland- 2 people die by suicide in a year… and that’s perfectly fine..’
The latest tragedy will lead to more pressure on ITV to rethink the show’s future and there was immediate speculation about what Flack’s death will mean for the series.
ITV has pulled tonight’s highlights episode of the show that was due to air at 9pm on ITV2.
ITV2’s programme announcer said: ‘In light of today’s sad news we’re replacing tonight’s episode of Love Island: Unseen Bits with a double bill of You’ve Been Framed.’
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.’
If you have been affected by this story, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org
Devastating: A family statement read: ‘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.’