The shock breaking news tonight is that TV presenter Caroline Flack has died.
"We can confirm that our Caroline passed away today, the 15th of February," reads a family statement. "We would ask that the press respect the privacy of the family at this difficult time and we would ask they make no attempt to contact us and/or photograph us."
According to Sky News, her lawyer has revealed that she died by suicide at her flat in East London. Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 day or night.
The 40-year-old presenter, who featured on the likes of X Factor and Love Island, had been immersed in controversy since allegedly assaulting her boyfriend, Lewis Burton, during a row and was due in court next month.
Her friend Laura Whitmore has poignantly tweeted: "I'm trying to find the words but I can't."
Also reacting to the news is Derry Girls star Nicola Coughlan who says: "I met Caroline Flack last summer, she was so sweet and genuine and couldn’t have been kinder to me. She did not deserve this. It’s absolutely devastating, all my love to her family and friends."

I’m trying to find the words but I can’t 💔 pic.twitter.com/FY3ppLzqsA

— Laura Whitmore (@thewhitmore) February 15, 2020

Our hearts go out to the friends and family of Love Island host, Strictly winner, and actor Caroline Flack. https://t.co/85p29bVBOK

— BBC Radio 2 (@BBCRadio2) February 15, 2020

Such heartbreaking news. Sending so much love to Caroline's family and friends. XXX

— Claudia Winkleman (@ClaudiaWinkle) February 15, 2020

Lawyer for Caroline Flack's family says 40-year-old tv presenter has been found dead in her flat in east London having taken her own life

— Sky News Breaking (@SkyNewsBreak) February 15, 2020

News hasn’t stopped me in my tracks like hearing about Caroline Flack for quite some time. What a desperately, desperately sad thing.

— Kate McCann (@KateEMcCann) February 15, 2020