Laura Whitmore criticises radio presenter's Love Island 'narcissistic nonsense' comments

Laura Whitmore has hit out at a radio presenter who branded Love Island contestants’ conversations as “unbelievable narcissistic nonsense”, two days after the death of Caroline Flack.

Whitmore, who was friends with Flack and had taken over from her as host of the ITV2 show, tweeted a response to LBC presenter Shelagh Fogarty.

“It’s made me uncomfortable,” Fogarty said of Love Island on the show on Monday.

“These physically perfect people… it’s OK for young people to have fun and do stupid stuff and go on TV and earn money - there is nothing inherently wrong with it.

Read more: Love Island Aftersun cancelled after death of Caroline Flack

“But when I hear conversations taking place I think, ‘Oh my god, do they know anything about themselves? Do they have any desire to look outside themselves and relish the world around them?’ Or is it literally all about, ‘Oh he thinks, she thinks, oh I think, he thinks, she thinks, bikinis, arms, legs, six packs...’

“Oh shoot me, it’s unbelievable narcissistic nonsense. It drives me nuts. It’s so unambitious for people, that’s how I see it.”

Whitmore subsequently posted on Twitter: “To the presenter on @lbc now - making a comment implying all Love Island contestants are stupid and not smart and actually said if I have to hear them talking ‘shoot me now’ I think is highly inappropriate no?

“Happy random act of kindness day. Have we learned nothing?”

Whitmore’s comments came as she encouraged her Instagram followers to "say something nice to someone".

Fogarty later clarified what she had said, and apologised to those who may have been upset by her words.

“Some of you and including people connected to Love Island have objected to what I said about what it’s aiming to do for the people who take part,” she said.

“I said a couple of times, ‘Of course, it’s fun for people who can stand the social media bile that comes with it’, and my comments weren’t about being grim or mean.

“But when there is an onslaught of social media viciousness that comes with it, it is a low ambition to just think that is your way to fame and fortune, to be perfect and open yourself up to that kind of criticism and viciousness. Apologies if it upset anyone, but that is what I wanted to communicate.”

LBC declined to comment when contacted by Yahoo News UK.

Flack died by suicide on 15 February.

In a statement, her family confirmed the news: “We can confirm that our Caroline passed away today on the 15th February.

“We would ask that the press both respect the privacy of the family at this difficult time."

The former Love Island host was due to stand trial on 4 March over allegations of domestic abuse; she was arrested in December amid accusations she had attacked her boyfriend Lewis Burton.

Flack later stepped down from hosting the 2020 series of Love Island, a show she has fronted since 2015, amid the ongoing court case.

Both Flack and ITV had made it clear that the door had been left open for a possible return.

Burton, who was opposed to the prosecution, shared an emotional tribute to Flack a day after her passing, promising the star he would "be your voice baby", and that he would "try [to] make you proud everyday".

"I am so lost for words I am in so much pain I miss you so much I know you felt safe with me you always said I don't think about anything else when I am with you and I was not allowed to be there this time I kept asking and asking," the 27-year-old tennis player wrote on Instagram.

He concluded: "I love you with all my heart."

Part of Flack’s bail conditions denied her contact with Burton.

The CPS said it would not comment on the specifics of the case "given the tragic circumstances".

For confidential emotional support at times of distress, contact The Samaritans at any time by calling 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org.