Advertisement

'Love Island's' Caroline Flack trying to keep 'head above water' during 'rough time'

Television presenter Caroline Flack poses for photographers upon arrival at the Brit Awards in London, Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)
Caroline Flack poses for photographers upon arrival at the Brit Awards in London in 2019. (Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Caroline Flack has said she is doing everything she can to "keep my head above water" after stepping down from Love Island.

The TV star exited the winter series of the hit ITV2 show after she was charged with assault and it has now been confirmed that Laura Whitmore will replace her.

Flack posted a message online after Whitmore was announced as her replacement, saying it was “a really rough time”.

Read more: Caroline Flack quits winter Love Island

The 40-year-old also has said she did not want to "detract attention from the upcoming series" after being charged following a private domestic incident reportedly involving her boyfriend Lewis Burton.

Caroline Flack Instagram
Caroline Flack Instagram

She said on her Instagram Story: "I'm glad it's Laura... she loves the show as much as I do... again... thank you for you continuous messages of support.

“It's a really rough time... but I'm doing all can to keep my head above water and sort this all out."

Laura Whitmore poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA Film Awards in London, Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)
Laura Whitmore poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA Film Awards in London in 2019. (Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

She also shared a post from Love Island narrator Iain Stirling - who is dating Whitmore – which said: "Whilst I'm sad @carolineflack won't be joining our team in South Africa for the first ever Winter Love Island, I understand her decision to step down from the series.

“And she should be SO proud of her achievements over our many series! X."

Flack wrote along with his message: "I love you thank you Iain.

“Good to have you and your lady together."

Earlier, Whitmore said she was thrilled to land the Love Island job.

The 34-year-old will present the main show which airs nightly at 9pm after it kicks off on January 12, as well as its weekly Monday sister show Aftersun.

Read more: Caroline Flack’s boyfriend defends ‘loyal and kind’ TV star following arrest

She said in a statement: “I want to thank ITV for trusting me at the helm of this huge show.

“I wish it was in better circumstances; Caroline is a brilliant host and also a friend. We’ve spoken a lot in the last few days since she stepped down. She has been very kind to me and strongly pushed me for this role.

“I’ve watched her host every series and know I have big boots to fill. I will try and do it justice.

“Above all, I am a massive fan of this show. I’ve never been to a Love Island villa, and I can’t wait to get in there to meet all the new Islanders looking for love.

“The Love Island team are the best in the business… including the voice and heart of the show, Iain. He thought he was getting a holiday away from me… not a chance!”

Flack was arrested in Islington, north London, following reports of a man being assaulted. Police did not name the man, but they said he was not seriously injured.

Burton, 27, later spoke out in defence of Flack, saying she has become the subject of a "witch hunt" following her arrest.

Flack will appear on bail at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court on December 23.