Love Island winners Paige Turley and Finn Tapp have paid tribute to the show’s former host Caroline Flack, following her death at the age of 40.
Paige and Finn, along with the rest of the remaining Islanders, were told of the tragic news shortly before this year’s live final, in an off-camera conversation with producers.
Speaking to The Sun, Finn revealed he was “thankful” to Love Island bosses for the way they broke the news.
“We were told just before the final. They wanted to tell us at the best time and the best way and we’re thankful that they did that,” he explained. “We remember her fondly. We loved her as a fan watching it on telly over the past few series, that’s the relationship we had with her.”
Paige added: “Everybody knew how much she loved Love Island. It’s such a sensitive subject, we just send love to Caroline’s family.”
The first ever winter Love Island final was dedicated to Caroline’s memory, and the episode opened with a special tribute to the late presenter.
Laura Whitmore opened the episode with an emotional speech, in which she told viewers that it has been “extremely difficult coming to terms with the loss of our friend and colleague Caroline”.
She added: “We’re thinking of her family and everyone who knew her at this time. Caroline loved Love Island, she loved love, and that’s why tonight’s final is dedicated to her.”
A montage of footage from Caroline’s time hosting the show Love Island and its spin-off Aftersun was then played.
Love Island will return for its seventh series in its usual summer slot later this year.