Caroline Flack has said “it’s a really rough time” and that she is doing all she can to “keep my head above water” after stepping down as the host of Love Island following an assault charge.
The TV presenter, 40, said on Tuesday 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.
Flack said that standing down from the upcoming winter series of the ITV2 reality show is “the best thing I can do”.
Irish TV presenter Laura Whitmore will take over hosting Love Island and companion show Aftersun when filming commences in South Africa in January.
Reacting to the news of Whitmore’s appointment, Flack posted a message on her Instagram Stories.
She wrote: “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.”
Flack also shared a post by Love Island narrator Iain Stirling – Whitmore’s partner – in which he wrote: “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.”
Flack has not commented further on the alleged incident which saw her charged last week with assault by beating.
She was arrested in Islington, north London, after an incident on Thursday morning 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.
He also denied he had signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) relating to their relationship.
Flack will appear on bail at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on December 23.