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Caroline Flack death: Love Island replacement host Laura Whitmore pays tribute

The two presenters were friends

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Laura Whitmore has paid tribute to the late Caroline Flack following her death aged 40.

The new Love Island presenter – who took over from Caroline after she stepped down from hosting duties following an assault charge – took to social media on Saturday (February 15) to remember her close friend after Caroline tragically took her own life.

She shared a photo of the pair of them and wrote alongside it: “I’m trying to find the words but I can’t,” concluding with a heartbreak emoji.

Laura also shared a poem about losing someone too soon.

It read: “To lose someone so special is really hard to bear, it hardly seems believable that you’re no longer there. You left us far too early before your time, it seems and now you’ll never have the chance to fulfil all those dreams.

“However hard it is though we’ll take comfort in the thought of all the memories we have and the happiness you brought. You always lived life to the full but ours won’t be the same until the day when we can see your smiling face again.”

Laura took over from Caroline as presenter of the ITV2 dating show for the current series and when the news was revealed, she paid tribute to Caroline as a “brilliant” host.

Laura Whitmore on Love Island
Laura took over from Caroline for Winter Love Island (Credit: ITV)

Read more: Iain Stirling pays tribute to Caroline Flack

She said: “To say I’m excited to be heading to Cape Town to host Love Island, the biggest show on television, is an understatement.

“I want to thank ITV for trusting me at the helm of this huge show. I wish it was in better circumstances; Caroline is a brilliant host and also a friend.

“We’ve spoken a lot in the last few days since she stepped down. She has been very kind to me and strongly pushed me for this role.

“I’ve watched her host every series and know I have big boots to fill. I will try and do it justice.”

Caroline said of the news: “I’m glad it’s Laura …she loves the show as much as I do … again … thank you for you continuous messages of support … it’s a really rough time … but I’m doing all can to keep my head above the water and sort this all out … (sic)”

Many more celebrities have rushed to social media to offer their tributes to the TV presenter.

Kerry Katona posted: “Please tell me this isn’t true!!!!”

Eamonn Holmes said: “Dear God. Shocked beyond belief. May she have found peace. Has to be repercussions for Love Island now surely?”

Eamonn Holmes on This Morning
Eamonn is calling for repercussions for Love Island (Credit: ITV)

Piers Morgan paid tribute to her bright personality, writing: “Caroline was a fun, bright & sparky person whose whole world collapsed recently, both professionally & personally.

Piers Morgan Meghan documentary
Piers had spoken to Caroline recently (Credit: Fox)

“She told me it had been the worst time of her life, and was clearly struggling to cope with losing everything she held dear.

“This is such sad, awful news.

His Good Morning Britain co-star Susanna Reid said she was heartbroken for her ITV colleague.

Susanna Reid
Susanna’s heart was broken for the family (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Love Island winner Dani Dyer said she was lucky to have known Caroline.

“I am devastated with this news. Caroline you were a beautiful person and I’m so lucky to have known you. Love you. RIP you beautiful angel.”

Dani won Love Island in 2018 (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Michelle Keegan urged people to be kind, writing: “Everyone is fighting their own battles. Be kind, life’s too short. ❤️ So sorry Caroline.”

Michelle reached out urging kindess (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Jonathan Ross revealed he had recently reached out to her.

Jonathan was another star who had talked to Caroline (Credit: SplashNews.com)

He tweeted: “I am very sad to hear that Caroline Flack is dead. I had been in touch with her recently and had hoped she was doing better.

“She was talented and smart and likeable and she will he missed. It’s awful.”

Dermot O’Leary wrote: “Just the worst news. Poor soul. Sending love to hers, and yours. Hold them tight tonight people. Candles lit.”

Dermot O'Leary has been filling in for Zoe Ball (Credit: Lia Toby/WENN.com)
Dermot and Caroline were part of the X Factor family (Credit: Wenn)

If you or someone you know is struggling, call Samaritans free on 116 123 or email [email protected] and someone will get back to you.

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Kaggie Hyland
Editor-in-Chief