Caroline Flack brands being a cougar ‘a badge of honour’ as she says she’ll never apologise for dating younger men

Caroline Flack has insisted that she’ll ‘never apologise’ for dating men younger than her, revealing that she sees being a ‘cougar’ as a “badge of honour” rather than an ‘insult.’

The Love Island host, who is thought to be dating 25-year-old personal trainer Bradley Simmonds, shared a preview of a forthcoming interview with You magazine, in which she addresses her cougar reputation.

The 39-year-old proudly shared the front cover on her Instagram account, which features the quote “If ‘cougar’ is supposed to be an insult, I’m making it a badge of honour,” and promises that Flack will “never apologise for dating younger men – or anything else.”

“I normally keep my mouth shut when it comes to my life and being in the public eye,” she wrote in her caption.

“But for the first time I really wanted to write something personal about some of the ‘flack’ I’ve had over the years and how I quite frankly don’t care.”

She went on to thank the magazine’s editor for “letting [her] let loose.”

Flack’s followers and famous fans praised her unapologetic approach, with former Made in Chelsea star Ashley James writing: “Yes girl!!! Glad you spoke up on this, annoys me that old men can date young girls and no one says anything. You’re my favourite cougar.”

Louise Redknapp added: “Yes babe.”

Fans told the presenter that she “deserve[s] to be happy,” with one commenting: “You go girl. Live your life how you want, not the way others think it should be.”

“Think you are amazing. Well done,” another added.

“Go girl!!! Your life, your choice,” another follower wrote.

The Love Island host famously dated Harry Styles when he was 17, and recently ended her engagement to 28-year-old Apprentice star Andrew Brady.

She has since been linked to Simmonds and to Strictly dancer AJ Pritchard, 24.