Caroline Flack’s boyfriend Lewis Burton ‘heartbroken’

The former tennis pro has broken his silence on social media following the tragic death of the Love Island host.

Caroline Flack and Lewis Burton

by Kaya Terry |
Updated on

Caroline Flack’s boyfriend Lewis Burton paid tribute to the former Love Island host after she was tragically found dead at her London home yesterday.

The 27-year-old ex-tennis professional – who began dating Caroline, 40, in August last year - has vowed to be make the former Love Island host “proud every day” by being her “voice” in an emotional Instagram post, after the ITV2 star took her own life on Saturday.

Captioning a photo of the pair on holiday, Lewis wrote: “My heart is broken we had something so special.

“I am so lost for words I am in so much pain I miss you so much I know you felt safe with me you always said.

“I don’t think about anything else when I am with you and I was not allowed to be there this time I kept asking and asking.

“I will be your voice baby I promise I will ask all the questions you wanted and I will get all the answers nothing will bring you back but I will try make you proud everyday.

“I love you with all my heart (sic).”

He ended his post with a broken heart emoji.

Lewis also re-posted a quote Caroline used on her own social media in his Instagram stories which read: "In a world where you can be anything, be kind," adding, "I will love you forever".

On Friday, Lewis posted a picture of the couple, saying: “Happy Valentine’s. Love You (sic)” after Caroline posted a picture with her beloved dog Ruby on social media, days before her death.

Caroline's family confirmed the news in a statement on Saturday, saying, "We can confirm that our Caroline passed away today on the 15th February.

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

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Caroline was due to stand trial on March 4 after pleading not guilty to assault by beating, following an early-morning altercation with Lewis.

She was on bail and was given strict conditions that prevented her from contacting Lewis until after the trial.

Earlier in February, she had announced that she would soon speak out on the coverage surrounding the case, "'I'm going to speak today… mine and my family's life is no longer up for entertainment or gossip."

Lewis also showed his support for Caroline on social media, writing, "Caroline is my girlfriend. Anything else you read is untrue. (sic)"

Her shock death sparked a torrent of tributes from the star’s stunned friends and co-stars.

Iain Stirling has provided voiceover work on Love Island since it’s revival in 2015 - working alongside Caroline until she took leave from the show last year.

Sharing a video of the star from her time on Strictly Come Dancing in 2015 on Twitter, Iain wrote: “Today my friend slow motion walked into heaven. I will miss her always.

“Thank you for everything. (sic)”

Laura Whitmore – who currently hosts the ITV2 show – also paid tribute to the star with an Instagram video of the pair dancing and wrote: “See you on the dance floor (sic).”

Flack's death is the fourth to be linked to Love Island, after former contestants Mike Thalassitis and Sophie Gradon took their own lives after appearing on the show, and Gradon's boyfriend Aaron Armstrong was also found dead just days after her funeral.

At the time of her step back from Love Island ahead of this year's winter series, ITV posted a statement.

They said: '"TV has a long-standing relationship with Caroline and we understand and accept her decision. We will remain in contact with her over the coming months about future series of Love Island."

Our thoughts are with Caroline's family and friends at this devastating time.

If you want to talk to someone about your mental health, call Samaritans on 116 123, or you can email jo@samaritans.org__.

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