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(CNN) - Several people have paid tribute to British TV host Caroline Flack after her family confirmed her death on Saturday.
Flack, 40, an ex-host of the successful British reality show 'Love Island', died of suicide and his body was found Saturday in his East London apartment, a family lawyer told PA Media.
"We can confirm that our Caroline passed away today, February 15," said the family's statement. "We ask the press to respect the privacy of the family at this difficult time and we ask that they not try to contact us or photograph us."
Flack was the host of the series from its inception in 2015 until last December, when she was accused of aggression after an incident at her home. She pleaded not guilty to assaulting her boyfriend Lewis Burton, 27. He had a trial scheduled for March, and was replaced as a 'Love Island' presenter a few days after his arrest.
At that time, he said the show had been his "world" for the past five years, adding: "It's the best show on television."
On Sunday, the new 'Love Island' host, Laura Whitmore, paid tribute to Flack during her BBC radio show, calling her "vivacious" and "loving," while criticizing the paparazzi and sensationalist media.
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.
- ITV2 (@ itv2) February 15, 2020
"For paparazzi and tabloids looking for a cheap sale, for trolls that hide behind a keyboard, enough," he said.
Whitmore said of Flack: “I will not pretend it was perfect, but is anyone? He lived all the errors publicly, under the scrutiny of the media ”.
“Everyone on Love Island and ITV is shocked and saddened by this desperately sad news,” tweeted ITV2. "Our sincere thoughts and condolences are with your family and friends."
Burton paid tribute to his "voice" on Instagram. Next to a photo of the couple, he wrote: "My heart is broken, we had something so special."
"I have no words, there is so much pain, I miss you so much, I know you felt safe with me you always said it, I do not think of anything other than when I am with you and I was not allowed to be there this time."
View this post on Instagram
My heart is broken we had something so special. I am so lost for words I am in so much pain I miss you so much I know you felt safe with me you always said I don't think about anything else when I am with you and I was not allowed to be there this time I kept asking and asking. I will be your voice baby I promise I will ask all the questions you wanted and I will get all the answers nothing will bring you back but I will try make you proud everyday. I love you with all my heart 💔
A post shared by Lewis Burton (@mrlewisburton) on Feb 15, 2020 at 11:42 pm PST
He added: “I will be your voice, love, I promise you that I will ask all the questions you wanted and I will get all the answers, nothing will bring you back, but I will try to make you proud every day. I love you with all my heart".
On Thursday, Flack posted a photo montage for her 2.5 million Instagram followers of her and a dog, using the heart emoji.
I'm trying to find the words but I can't 💔 pic.twitter.com/FY3ppLzqsA
- Laura Whitmore (@thewhitmore) February 15, 2020
Amber Davies, winner along with Kem Cetinay during the 2017 season, tweeted: "My heart is broken."
My heart is actually broken
- Amber Davies (@ Amber_Davies7) February 15, 2020
Dani Dyer, part of the winning couple in the following season, said she was devastated. “Caroline, you were a beautiful person and I am very fortunate to have met you. I love you. RIP, beautiful angel, ”he tweeted.
I am devistated with this news. Caroline you was a beautiful person and I'm so lucky to have known you. Love you RIP you beautiful angel ❤️
- Dani Dyer (@Dani_MasDyer) February 15, 2020
Amber Gill, one of last year's winners, simply wrote: "I am disconsolate."
I'm heartbroken
- AMBER THEE ROSE GILL (@AmberRoseGill) February 15, 2020
Maura Higgins, who finished fourth in the most recent season, wrote a brief tribute on her Instagram. "Heartbreaking news ... an incredibly kind and beautiful woman ... RIP angel ... thoughts and prayers to her whole family," he said.
Phenomenon in the United Kingdom
"Love Island" is, in essence, a dating program. But in recent years, it has increased its popularity to the point that it is now part of the British cultural calendar for approximately two months a year, dominating social networks and earning converts with each passing episode.
Its scope is so wide that it has been parodied on 'Saturday Night Live' and has generated several international versions, which have reached different levels of success.
Flack was involved in other popular programs.
She was a presenter on “I am a celebrity, get me out of here! Now!" and "The X Factor."
In 2014, she and her partner, Pasha Kovalev, won “Strictly Come Dancing”.
Flack appeared in the British television comedy "Bo 'Selecta!" transmitted between 2002 and 2004.
Max Ramsay reported from London. Jay Croft reported and wrote in Atlanta. Rob Picheta and Steve Almasy of CNN contributed to this report.
Asking for help
The suicide rate in the United States has experienced a sharp increase in recent years. Studies have shown that the risk of suicide decreases dramatically when people call the national suicide hotline: 1-800-273-TALK.
There is also a line of crisis text. To get help in Spanish in case of crisis, call 1-888-628-9454.
The lines are served by a combination of paid professionals and unpaid volunteers trained in crisis and suicidal intervention. Its advocates say that the confidential environment, 24-hour accessibility, the freedom of a caller to hang up at any time and the person-centered attention have helped their success.
The International Association for the Prevention of Suicide and Befrienders Worldwide also provides contact information for crisis centers worldwide.
Reality show
