Love Island final: Laura Whitmore pays tribute to Caroline Flack during live episode

Whitmore took on the role of host after her friend and former presenter Flack stepped down

The finale of Love Island's debut winter series paid tribute to late host Caroline Flack, after her death earlier this month.

A visibly emotional Laura Whitmore read a brief tribute to her friend in the first part of the final, explaining: "The past week has been extremely difficult coming to terms with the death of our friend and colleague Caroline."

A reel of clips from Flack's time on the show, including her infamous slow-motion walk, was then aired.

The 40-year-old was found dead in her north London home on Saturday 15 February. A lawyer for Flack’s family said she had taken her own life.

She had been replaced as host of the reality dating show after being charged with assaulting her boyfriend last year, and was due to stand trial. She denied the charge.

Flack’s management company said she had been under “huge pressure”, and criticised the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for refusing to drop the assault charge, despite her boyfriend Lewis Burton saying he did not want the case to go ahead.

Whitmore previously paid tribute to her “vivacious” and “loving friend”, but also called out those who had criticised Flack before her death.

“Anyone who has ever compared one woman against another on Twitter, knocked someone because of their appearance, invaded someone else’s privacy, who have made mean, unnecessary comments on an online forum – they need to look at themselves,” she said.

Dozens of other celebrities have paid tribute to Flack since her death, including Dancing on Ice co-presenters Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, you can contact a Samaritan for confidential support on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org