Laura Whitmore was seen for the first time on Sunday since her friend Caroline Flack took her own life aged 40 at her new flat in north London.
Love Island’s replacement host, 34, stepped out in London following her BBC Radio Five Live show, where she paid tribute to the late TV veteran, who was found dead on Saturday just hours after being told she would face trial over the alleged assault of her boyfriend Lewis Burton.
It is unclear whether the ITV2 dating series will continue to air as fans have called for its axing following the passing of Caroline and former contestants Mike Thalassitis and Sophie Gradon.
Brave face: Laura Whitmore was seen for the first time on Sunday since her friend Caroline Flack took her own life aged 40 at her new flat in north London
Media personality Laura put on a brave face as she headed to her next destination in a dark grey car.
The former Survival of the Fittest star was pictured wearing a longline wool coat, a vibrant scarf and box-fresh trainers, while hiding her eyes behind circular-framed shades.
Earlier in the morning, a grieving Laura – who appeared on her radio show just hours after learning the news – fought back tears as she shared an emotional message in remembrance of her late friend.
The Dublin native was struggling through her grief as her voice cracked while praising her friend.
Emotional: Love Island’s replacement host, 34, stepped out in London following her BBC Radio Five Live show, where she paid tribute to the late TV veteran
Close friends: Laura replaced Caroline on Love Island’s first-ever winter edition after the face of the show decided to step down from her role late last year (pictured in 2013)
Stepping out: Media personality Laura put on a brave face as she headed to her next destination in a dark grey car
Laura said: ‘I wish we were talking under better circumstances and I’d been debating whether I should, would or could come on air today. But this isn’t about me, yesterday we lost someone before their time.
‘At age 40 Caroline Flack made the decision to take her own life and I want to talk about it. I want to talk about it, I want to talk about her and give her the respect that she deserves and that she didn’t always get.
‘Anyone who knew Caroline knew she was vivacious, loving and had a passion for life, which is why none of this makes sense.
‘Caroline loved dancing. Angels by Robbie Williams always reminds me of her because she danced so beautifully to it on Strictly and I’m going to play that song after I’ve said what I want to say.
Heading off: The former Survival of the Fittest star was pictured wearing a longline wool coat, a vibrant scarf and box-fresh trainers, while hiding her eyes behind circular-framed shades
Heartbreaking: Grieving Laura – who appeared on her radio show just hours after learning the news – fought back tears as she shared an emotional message in remembrance of her late pal
‘Caroline loved music, she loved to dance. We shared many a dance floor at gigs, festivals.
‘I met her just shy of 10 years ago at V Festival and then we became friends. She was bubbly and for such a small stature, commanded a room. She loved to laugh and had the most infectious chuckle.
‘She also had many struggles. I’m not going to pretend that she was perfect, but is anyone?’
She also took the opportunity to defend the ITV2 dating show amid backlash in the wake of Caroline’s death.
Heartbreaking: Caroline is the third Love Island star to have died in the last two years after former contestants Mike Thalassitis and Sophie Gradon, took their own lives in March 2019 and June 2018 respectively (L-R pictured during their time on Love Island)
The blonde added: ‘Caroline loved to love. That’s all she wanted. Which is why the show Love Island was important to her because it’s about finding love, friendship, having a laugh.
‘The problem wasn’t the show, the show to work on was loving and caring and safe and protected.
‘I’d like to thank BBC and ITV for the support that I’ve had and those who’ve supported my decision to come in today as I felt it was the right thing to do.
‘Thank you to my boyfriend, the kindest man I know, to the whole Love Island family who are in mourning of their colleague and friends, and have been a great support over the last few hours. I love you.
‘Shocked beyond belief’: It is unclear whether the ITV2 dating series will continue to air as fan, including the likes of Eamonn Holmes, have called for its axing
‘To everyone, be kind in what you say. I’m going to carry on today and get through this show as that’s what Caroline would say to do.
‘Caroline, I’m so sad for you, for your family. I’m angry that you saw this as your only option as I know how much love and support you had, I’m sorry you didn’t know that. I’m not sure when but I’ll see you on the dance floor again and I hope you’re at peace and know that you are loved.’
Laura replaced Caroline on Love Island’s first-ever winter edition after the face of the show decided to step down from her role late last year.
The former X Factor presenter was told she would face trial for allegedly assaulting her boyfriend Lewis, 27 – a claim she denied.
Her management have slammed the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for pursuing the ‘show trial’ after former tennis player Lewis said he did not want to press charges.
The ex-sportsman had claimed she hit him with a lamp in December before asking the CPS not to press charges.
Love Island fans took to Twitter to demand the series, after Mike and Sophie took their own lives in March 2019 and June 2018 respectively. MailOnline has contacted ITV representatives for further comment.
Among fans calling the show out was This Morning presenter Eamonn Holmes, who paid tribute to Caroline while insisting there needs to be ‘repercussions.’
Tragic news: The ITV star was found dead just hours after finding out she would face trial over the alleged assault of her boyfriend Lewis Burton (pictured in October 2019)
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?’ which garnered more than 27K likes.
The This Morning host later added: ‘Meaning out of respect, can the series continue?’ (sic)
Love Island released a statement, stating: ‘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.’