Former Love Island presenter Caroline Flack has died after taking her own life, her family's lawyer has confirmed.

The popular television personality was just 40 years of age.

She was found dead at her home in north London by police earlier this afternoon. 

Basingstoke Gazette: Caroline Flack was a popular television presenterCaroline Flack was a popular television presenter

In a statement, her family said: "We can confirm that our Caroline passed away today on February 15.

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

Caroline was best known for previously fronting ITV2's show Love Island, which has tonight been rocked by the third death of one of its former stars.

Contestants Mike Thalassitis and Sophie Graydon took their own lives following their appearances on the dating programme.

The star stepped down from presenting the programme this season after being arrested on December 12 following an argument with her boyfriend Lewis Burton.

She was due to stand trial on March 4 accused of assaulting her boyfriend, though she firmly denied the charges. 

Following widespread scrutiniy in the press and on social media, Caroline wrote a frank and honest post on Christmas Eve where she spoke about the impact the ordeal was having on her. 

On Christmas Eve, a day after pleading not guilty to common assault, she wrote: "Been advised not to go on social media ... but I wanted to say happy Christmas to everyone who has been so incredibly kind to me this year..... 

"This kind of scrutiny and speculation is a lot to take on for one person to take on their own... I’m a human being at the end of the day and I’m not going to be silenced when I have a story to tell and a life to keep going with .... 

"I’m taking some time out to get feeling better and learn some lessons from situations I’ve got myself into to.I have nothing but love to give and best wishes for everyone."

Basingstoke Gazette:

 

Her last post to social media was on Thursday where she uploaded a picture to Instagram of her with her pet Ruby.

The Sun newspaper has reported that Lewis was told the news while on a skiing trip with friends and is now travelling back to the UK. 

Tributes have poured in on social media to the star. This Morning host Philip Schofield wrote: "You poor darling girl. My heart is breaking. #BeKind."

Caroline was born November 9, 1979, in Enfield but grew up in Norfolk, attending Wayland Community High School.

She began her career as an actress, starring in Bo' Selecta! in 2002 and has since presented various ITV2 spin-off shows such as I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! NOW! from 2009 until 2010 and The Xtra Factor from 2011 until 2013.

She was a popular television personality who had many friends in showbiz. She previously dated Prince Harry and Harry Styles from One Direction. 

Flack won the twelfth series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2014 and was the well-known face of ITV 2's flagship programme Love Island. 

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