Yahoo News Love Island's Iain Stirling pays emotional tribute to Caroline Flack upon show's return
Love Island's Iain Stirling has paid a poignant tribute to Caroline Flack following the presenter's tragic death.
Having been postponed for the last two nights, tonight's episode (February 17) opened without the usual theme music and title sequence. It was instead replaced by footage of the oceans surrounding the island and a spoken message by Stirling, the ITV2 show's narrator.
"We are all absolutely devastated by the tragic news that Caroline, a much-loved member of our Love Island family, has passed away," began Stirling. "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 a crucial part of what made the show connect with millions of viewers.
"Like many of you, right now we're just trying to come to terms with what has happened. My only hope is that we can all try and 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 (@LoveIsland) February 17, 2020
Stirling played a noticeably quieter role in tonight's episode, and the advert breaks were preceded with a message to viewers to "Be Kind".
Following his emotional statement, viewers took to Twitter to share their support.
"Iain stirling, you've done [every] single member of the public proud. Your words were so beautifully written. A beautiful soul lost far too soon. We love you Caroline", wrote one fan.
Another tweeted: "Beautiful tribute for an equally beautiful soul. Well done to Iain Stirling for a lovely tribute."
Please can someone give Iain Stirling and the #LoveIsland crew a big big hug? Thank you for that perfect tribute. RIP Caroline Flack. pic.twitter.com/bfgmEV7l19
— Rebecca Lewis (@bexlewis361) February 17, 2020
“I’m going to miss you Caz” 😢😭 I’m in bits. I still can’t believe she’s gone. Lovely tribute from Iain Stirling. #LoveIsland pic.twitter.com/afXPGlPagq
— Elliot Gonzalez (@elliot_gonzalez) February 17, 2020
iain stirling, you’ve done ever single member of the public proud. your words were so beautifully written. a beautiful soul lost far too soon. we love you Caroline. #loveisland
— lucy b ✨🌻 (@buswellshewitt_) February 17, 2020
That tribute hit home a lot more hearing Iain Stirling’s words, knowing how hard that must’ve been for him breaks my heart 💔 #loveisland pic.twitter.com/f6UU7JrdPX
— Sammy (@sambrownnx) February 17, 2020
Beautiful tribute for an equally beautiful soul. Well done to Iain Stirling for a lovely tribute ❤️#LoveIsland pic.twitter.com/C5WV97VsE0
— Dexter (@dexjennings98) February 17, 2020
In tears how did Iain Stirling find the strength...this is one of the most emotional things i've seen...can't watch the rest of the show today, it just doesn't feel right #LoveIsIand #BeKinder #BeNice pic.twitter.com/ZkEXiGg944
— Tony's 24/Seven Eyes (@24SevenEyes) February 17, 2020
“I’m going to miss you Caz” 😢😭 I’m in bits. I still can’t believe she’s gone. Lovely tribute from Iain Stirling. #LoveIsland pic.twitter.com/PyNlkHNQH3
— James Ogrady (@james_ogrady1) February 17, 2020
Love Island airs on ITV2.
We would encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in this article to reach out. Organisations who can offer support include Samaritans on 116 123 (www.samaritans.org) or Mind on 0300 123 3393 (www.mind.org.uk). Readers in the US are encouraged to visit mentalhealth.gov or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
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