Piers Morgan, 54, has thrown his support behind ITV’s decision to resume broadcasting Love Island 2020 today following the tragic death of former presenter Caroline Flack. TV host Caroline was found dead on Saturday morning, aged 40, after taking her own life.
ITV announced they intend to carry on with this year’s winter edition of Love Island tonight, with a tribute to the presenting star set to air as part of the show.
In a statement shared on Twitter yesterday, the broadcaster wrote: “Many people at ITV knew Caroline well and held her in great affection.
“All of us are absolutely devastated at this tragic news. After careful consultation between Caroline’s representatives and the Love Island product team, and given how close we still are to the news of Caroline’s tragic death, we have decided not to broadcast tonight’s Love Island out of respect for Caroline’s family.
“Love Island will return tomorrow night [Monday] which will include a tribute to Caroline who will be forever in our hearts.”
READ MORE: Amanda Holden: ‘The truth will come out’ BGT star says Caroline Flack was ‘thrown to dogs’
Current Love Island host Laura Whitmore spoke out in an emotional speech on Radio5Live yesterday.
She also told how show was not to be blamed for Caroline’s death but rather the “world outside”.
Struggling not to break down, Laura said: “The problem wasn’t the show. The show to work on is loving and caring and safe and protected. The problem is the outside world is not.
“Anyone that’s ever compared one woman against another on Twitter, knocked someone for their appearance, invaded someone else’s privacy, who have made mean unnecessary comments online need to look at themselves.”
“I’ve seen journalists on Twitter talk of this tragedy, who themselves have twisted what the truth is. You don’t have to tear down someone to make yourself feel good about yourself.
“So to listeners, be kind, only you are responsible for how you treat others, and what you put out into the world. I’ve had messages and been harassed for just doing my job and this is where the problem is and I want to use my platform to call this out and call people out.
“It’s gone too far. “Your words affect people. To paparazzi and tabloids looking for a cheap sell, the trolls hiding behind a keyboard – enough.”
At the start of Dancing on Ice, This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield also took a moment to spread the same message of kindness.
Becoming teary-eyed, Phillip told viewers he would like to “take a moment” to honour the star.
He said: “In light of yesterday’s awful news that our hearts go to her family and friends.”
“Many of us on the show knew Caroline as a friend and will all miss her enormously,” his co-host Holly Willoughby continued.
“As Caroline, herself has recently posted: ‘In a world where you can be anything, be kind.’”
For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 116 123 or visit a local Samaritans branch.