Caroline Flack has been found dead at her London flat after taking her own life at the age of 40.
The tragic news comes after boyfriend Lewis Burton, who she had been banned from contacting, reached out to her on Instagram on Thursday with a Valentine’s Day tribute captioned ‘love you’.
Her family said in a statement: “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.”
Caroline, who stepped down as Love Island host this season, last posted on Instagram on Thursday. The photo she posted was a collage of photos of herself with her dog captioned simply with a love heart emoji.
On the same day, Caroline took to social media to announce she would be breaking her silence on recent reports about her personal life in a post captioned: “I’m going to speak today… mine and my family’s life is no longer up for entertainment or gossip.”
The star was due to return to court on March 4 for assaulting partner Lewis, who in December accused her of hitting him with a lamp.
A source, however, told MailOnline: “Caroline wanted to speak as she’s so sick of all the rumours and speculation about her.
“But she posted on Instagram without thinking and once she had some time to calm down she knew better to keep quiet until the time is right.”
Caroline’s death marks the third death of stars connected with the dating programme after contestants Mike Thalassitis and Sophie Graydon took their own lives following their appearances on the popular show.
Caroline’s friends took to social media to share their shock; Love Island star Wes Nelson dubbed Caroline an ‘absolute diamond’ and said he was heartbroken by the death of ‘one of the warmest funniest people’.
Chris Hughes added: “Words can’t sum this up. So sad. Another amazing person taking from this cruel world…
“Can’t believe to imagine the pain. God bless Caroline and her family. Rest tight.”
Our thoughts go out to Caroline’s friends and family at this tragic time.