How Love Island paid tribute to Caroline Flack last night
LOVE Island returned to screens last night with a tribute to former host Caroline Flack.
Narrator Iain Stirling remembered her ‘passion, warmth and infectious enthusiasm’.
The ITV2 dating show did not air on Saturday or Sunday after former presenter Flack was found dead at her home in east London.
It returned on Monday with a tribute to the TV star, who started hosting the programme in 2015.
As footage of the sea and the sound of waves played, Stirling said: ‘We are all absolutely devastated by the tragic news that Caroline, a much loved member of our Love Island family, has passed away.
‘Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this dreadful time.
‘Caroline and me were together from the very start of Love Island and her passion, warmth and infectious enthusiasm were a crucial part of what made this show connect with millions of viewers.’
He continued: ‘Like many of you right now we are all just trying to come to terms with what has happened.
‘My only hope is that we can all try to be kinder, always show love and listen to one another.
‘Caroline I want to thank you for all the fun times we had making our favourite show.
‘You were a true friend to me. I'm going to miss you Caz.’
A picture of the presenter then appeared, with the words ‘Caroline Louise Flack 1979 - 2020’.
Director of television Kevin Lygo also confirmed companion show Love Island: Aftersun would not air on Monday while the Morning After podcast would also not take place on Tuesday.
He said: ‘Everyone at ITV is absolutely devastated and still trying to process this tragic news. Caroline was part of Love Island from the very beginning and her passion, dedication and boundless energy contributed to the show's success.
‘After Caroline stepped down from the show ITV made it clear that the door was left open for her to return and the Love Island production team remained in regular contact with her and continued to offer support over the last few months.’
He added: ‘Caroline loved Love Island and was very vocal in her support of the show. Viewers could relate to her and she to them and that was a big part of the programme's success. We will all miss her very much.’