‘Love Island’ replaced sponsor idents with Samaritans contact details on last night’s (17.02.20) episode.
The ITV2 dating show returned last night after being pulled on Saturday (15.02.20) and Sunday (16.02.20) after former host Caroline Flack took her own life over the weekend aged 40, and the usual Just Eat ads were replaced by the phone number for the charity, which aims to provide emotional support to anyone in distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide.
ITV and Just Eat said in a statement: "In light of this weekend’s tragic events, Just Eat and ITV have worked with Samaritans to replace the idents for this evening’s episode of ‘Love Island’ so that anyone affected by Caroline’s death can access support."
Show bosses also pulled last night’s ‘Love Island: Aftersun’ and decided not to release a ‘Love Island: The Morning After’ podcast this morning (18.02.20).
Kevin Lygo, Director of Television at ITV, released a statement last night admitting everyone at the channel was "still trying to process" the "tragic" news, and he said the show’s production team had "remained in regular contact with her" during recent months after she stepped down from the programme.
He explained: "Everyone at ITV is absolutely devastated and still trying to process this tragic news. Caroline was part of ‘Love Island’ from the very beginning and her passion, dedication and boundless energy contributed to the show’s success.
"After Caroline stepped down from the show ITV made it clear that the door was left open for her to return and the ‘Love Island’ production team remained in regular contact with her and continued to offer support over the last few months.
"’Love Island’ will return tonight and will include a tribute to Caroline that the team in South Africa and Iain Stirling have put together. Caroline loved Love Island and was very vocal in her support of the show.
"Viewers could relate to her and she to them and that was a big part of the programme’s success. We will all miss her very much."
At the beginning of last night’s show, narrator Iain Stirling struggled to hold back the tears as he thanked his late co-star Caroline for being a "true friend" to him in an emotional tribute.
He said: "We are all absolutely devastated by the news that Caroline – a much loved member of our ‘Love Island’ family – has passed away.
"Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this dreadful time. Caroline and me were together from the very start of ‘Love Island’ and her passion, warmth and infectious enthusiasm were an important part of what made this show connect with millions of viewers.
"Like many of you, right now we are trying to come to terms with what has happened. My only hope is that we can all try to be kinder, always show love and listen to one another.
"Caroline, I want to thank you for all the fun times we had, making our favourite show. You were a true friend to me. I’m going to miss you, Caz."
Love Island replace sponsor idents with Samaritans contact details
