Love Island host Caroline Flack has announced her exit from the British competition series after being charged with assault last Friday. News of Flack’s departure follows a domestic incident that reportedly occurred inside the home she shares with her tennis player boyfriend, Lewis Burton.
Caroline Flack’s announcement comes ahead of the winter edition of Love Island, which is set to take place in Cape Town, South Africa for the first time. In response to the allegations, which Flack claims didn’t happen as reported in the news, the host took to her Instagram to announce her departure from Love Island. Here’s what she wrote:
There have been a significant number of media reports and allegations in regards to my personal life. While matters were not as have been reported, I am committed to cooperating 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 for Series 6. I want to wish the incredible team working on the show a fantastic series in Cape Town.
Last week, London’s Metropolitan Police were called to Caroline Flack’s home following reports of an alleged assault by beating. Since then, reports have been making the rounds. A spokesperson for Flack confirmed to the BBC that police did show up at the house following a “private domestic incident” and that the host is cooperating “with the appropriate people to resolve matters.” They remained mum about further details for legal reasons.
In a statement made to PEOPLE, a spokesperson for ITV, the network that airs Britain’s Love Island, had this to say about Caroline Flack’s departure from the series:
ITV has a long standing relationship with Caroline and we understand and accept her decision. We will remain in contact with her over the coming months about future series of Love Island.
Caroline Flack has hosted Love Island, which has been riddled with controversies, since 2015. It became so popular in the UK that the competition show, which follows contestants as they pair up in romantic relationships, spawned a U.S. version. While the reality show didn’t get very high ratings in Season 1, it was successful enough that CBS renewed it for a second season.
Caroline Flack is scheduled to appear in court on December 23 and there’s no word yet on when she might return to Love Island. Stay tuned to CinemaBlend for more on this story. In the meantime, be sure to check out our 2020 midseason schedule to see when your favorite shows are premiering.
