Former Love Island host Caroline Flack, 40, was reportedly told on Friday the CPS were continuing with the trial – despite efforts made by the presenter and boyfriend Lewis Burton, 27, to discontinue the case. It comes after she pleaded not guilty to an alleged assault which took place at her home in December 2019.
Caroline’s managers have since released a statement, where they praised the presenter but admitted she was “under huge pressure”.
They said: “We are devastated at the loss of our client and friend Caroline Flack. An immensely talented young woman who was at the top of her game professionally and loved by television viewers across the country.
“In recent months Caroline had been under huge pressure because of an ongoing case and potential trial which has been well reported.
“The Crown Prosecution Service pursued this when they knew not only how very vulnerable Caroline was but also that the alleged victim did not support the prosecution and had disputed the CPS version of events.”
READ MORE: Caroline Flack dead: Laura Whitmore posts tribute to Love Island host
The CPS released a statement in response to the claims, saying: “Our deepest sympathies go to the family and friends of Caroline Flack. ‘Given the tragic circumstances, we will not comment on the specifics of this case at this stage.”
The lawyer for Caroline’s family confirmed to Sky News she took her own life.
Express.co.uk contacted representatives for Caroline Flack for comment at the time.
Tributes have since poured in for the beloved star, including Strictly Come Dancing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, and Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan.
Tess wrote: “Absolutely shocked and devastated at this tragic news. Rest in peace Caroline you beautiful girl. My heart goes out to your family and loved ones at this time.”
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Her co-host Claudia echoed a similar sentiment, writing: “Such heartbreaking news. Sending so much love to Caroline’s family and friends.”
Piers remarked: “Caroline was a fun, bright & sparky person whose whole world collapsed recently, both professionally & personally. 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.”
Caroline began her career as an actress when she starred in Bo’Selecta! in 2002 before going on to present several ITV2 spin-off series.
She hosted I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here Now! from 2009 until 2010 before hosting The Xtra Factor in 2011 until 2013.
She went on to take part and win Strictly Come Dancing in 2014 with Pasha Kovalev before she landed a hosting role on The X Factor alongside Olly Murs.
Caroline also became the sole presenter of Love Island until she stepped back from the role at the end of 2019.
The TV personality told her fans she would be leaving the ITV2 reality show for series six in a post on social media in December.
The announcement came after police were called to the home she shared with her boyfriend Lewis, following an alleged incident.
If you have been affected by this story, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org.