Caroline Flack has said she is “doing all she can to keep her head above water” after being arrested and charged with assault.
The presenter spoke out after it was announced Laura Whitmore was to replace her as the host of Love Island for the upcoming series.
She gave Laura her endorsement as the show’s new presenter, but lamented she had been going through “a really tough time” after her arrest last week.
“I’m glad it’s Laura,” she wrote on her Instagram Story. “She loves the show as much as I do.
“Again.. Thank you so much for your continuous messages of support.
“It’s a really tough time… But I‘m doing all I can to keep my head above water and sort this all out.”
Caroline announced she was standing down from the upcoming winter series earlier this week in order not to “detract attention” from the show.
Laura revealed she had been in touch with the star after entering talks to host the show Caroline has fronted since it was rebooted in 2015.
In a statement confirming her as the new presenter, Laura said: “I want to thank ITV for trusting me at the helm of this huge show. I wish it was in better circumstances; Caroline is a brilliant host and also a friend.
“We’ve spoken a lot in the last few days since she stepped down. She has been very kind to me and strongly pushed me for this role. I’ve watched her host every series and know I have big boots to fill. I will try and do it justice.”
Last Friday, it was revealed Caroline had been arrested and charged with assault by beating following a domestic incident at her London home, which she shares with her partner Lewis Burton.
She is due to appear in court on Monday to face the charges.
Caroline previously said of the incident: “While matters were not as have been reported, I am committed to cooperating with the appropriate authorities and I can’t comment further on these matters until the legal process is over.”
Love Island returns to ITV2 on 12 January.