Caroline Flack has decided to stand down as the Love Island host after she was charged with assault following a row with boyfriend Lewis Burton at her home on Friday.
The presenter is said to be ‘devastated’ by the decision and confirmed the news on her Instagram Stories today but hinted that it might only be for one season.
“There have been a significant number of media reports and allegations in regard to my personal life.”
She added, “While matters were not as have been reported I am committed to co-operating with the appropriate authorities and I can’t comment further on these matters until the legal process is over.”
“However Love Island has been my world for the last five years, it’s the best show on telly. In order not to detract attention from the upcoming series I feel the best thing I can do is stand down from Series 6. I want to wish the incredible team working on the show a fantastic series in Cape Town.”
Caroline took to the platform to thank her friends and fans for their support: “And on a really personal level. I have never experienced such kindness and love in my whole life. Not just from friends and family who are always the greatest but also from total strangers who send messages to me offering help and understanding… Please know that I see them and my boyfriend Lewis. I love you x.”
Along with her Love Island gig, it’s been reported that the presenter had a six-figure advertising deal with Polaroid sunglasses in the pipeline but that it may now on hold after Friday’s allegations against her.
The news comes as Flack was set to fly out to South Africa after Christmas to begin filming the winter series of the ITV2 dating show.
Caroline’s boyfriend Lewis Burton, 27, defended her on Instagram Stories on Monday, writing that she’s “loyal and kind” and saying she “doesn’t deserve this.”
Her ex-boyfriend, Andrew Brady, offered his support to Burton reportedly messaging the model privately and also took to Instagram to upload pictures of a confidentiality agreement, thought to be from when he and Caroline were engaged, with the caption: “Abuse has no agenda.”
A spokesman for Flack told PA news agency in a statement on the weekend: “We confirm that police attended Caroline’s home following a private domestic incident. She is co-operating with the appropriate people to resolve matters. We will not be making any further comment for legal reasons.”
There were reports that a number of police cars were seen outside the presenter’s north London home on Thursday morning and a man, believed to be Flack’s boyfriend, Lewis Burton, was treated for injuries.
