FORMER Love Island host Caroline Flack has died, her family said.

The 40-year-old stood down from her roll on the hit ITV2 show after allegations emerged she had hit her boyfriend.

She was due to stand trial in a matter of weeks.

The circumstances surrounding her death have yet to be released.

Her family confirmed her death in a statement, it said: “We can confirm that our Caroline passed away today, the 15th of February.

“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.”

Caroline Flack’s boyfriend Lewis Burton has said that his “heart is broken” and that “we had something so special” following the death of the TV presenter.

He posted a picture of them on Instagram and added: “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.”

Channel 4 programme Sunday Brunch has opened with a tribute to Caroline Flack.

Presenter Tim Lovejoy said: “Before we start the show there was some very sad news yesterday about TV presenter Caroline Flack.”

His co-host Simon Rimmer added: “So on behalf of everyone, us and everybody who works on the show, obviously we want to send our condolences to her family.”

Lovejoy added that it was “truly sad news”.

After hearing the news of Caroline's death, Stephen Lee Smith from Carlisle is encouraging others to speak out instead of keeping things bottled up.

Mr Smith, who has received helped from Carlisle Eden Mind, explained: "I've not been able to leave the house for long periods of time over the last few years.

"It's not always easy to speak out because of shame and judgement from family and friends.

"But it is important because if we don't they may end up losing their own child, brother, sister, family member.

"Depression and anxiety can happen to any one of us at any time in our lives so it's important to speak out and get the help.

"Kindness costs nothing."