Laura Whitmore lent her support to boyfriend Iain Stirling after he paid tribute to Caroline Flack on last night's (17.02.20) 'Love Island'.

Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling

Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling

The show's host took to Twitter to reach out to Iain, who narrates the series, just minutes after he paid a heartfelt tribute to Caroline at the beginning of the episode, admitting the programme's team are "absolutely devastated" to hear about the death of the star, who presented all five of the show's summer seasons, but stepped down ahead of the first winter edition in January.

Laura wrote: "Love you @IainDoesJokes I know that wasn't easy."

Iain thanked Caroline for "all the fun times" they shared together, and called her a "true friend".

He said: "We are all absolutely devastated by the news that Caroline - a much loved member of our 'Love Island' family - has passed away.

"Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this dreadful time. Caroline and me were together from the very start of 'Love Island' and her passion, warmth and infectious enthusiasm were an important part of what made this show connect with millions of viewers.

"Like many of you, right now we are trying to come to terms with what has happened. My only hope is that we can all try to be kinder, always show love and listen to one another.

"Caroline, I want to thank you for all the fun times we had, making our favourite show. You were a true friend to me. I'm going to miss you, Caz."

Following the news of Caroline's death, Laura paid tribute to her friend over the weekend.

She said: "Caroline loved to love. That's all she wanted. Which is why a show like 'Love Island' was important to her, because the show is about finding love, friendship, having a laugh. The problem wasn't the show. The show ... is loving and caring and safe and protected.

"The problem is, the outside world is not. Anyone who has ever compared one woman against another on Twitter, knocked someone because of their appearance, invaded someone else's privacy, who have made mean, unnecessary comments on an online forum - they need to look at themselves."