Last night was the final of the first ever winter series of Love Island. Before Finn and Paige were crowned the winners Laura Whitmore paid an emotional tribute to previous host, and her friend Caroline Flack.
This was the first time Laura Whitmore had been back in the villa since Caroline’s passing, and both her and boyfriend Iain Stirling had been vocal about the loss they felt.
Live on air Laura shared a thoughtful and emotional tribute to Caroline;
“The past week has been extremely difficult, coming to terms with the loss of our friend and colleague, Caroline.”
The final episode was dedicated to Caroline and Laura finished it with these words;
“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.”
Since it aired, praise has been pouring out for Laura Whitmore for continuing with the show with such professionalism and respect.
You have to admire @thewhitmore‘s strength to not only present but to also deliver and AMAZINGLY at that, a live show she has never presented before and just a week after the death of a close friend. She is incredible. Really hope to see her back for the summer one 👏 #loveisland
— Emily M (@MarshallEmily16) February 23, 2020
Massive respect to Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling for managing to finish off this series and deliver such lovely tributes to Caroline. Can’t have been easy. #loveisland pic.twitter.com/OT4kxmaTuZ
— Joe (@JoeSaunders) February 23, 2020
Massive love to @thewhitmore 🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿 it cannot be easy hosting tonight #loveisland
— vics (@victoriasanusi) February 23, 2020
ITV2 has dedicated the final of #LoveIsland to Caroline Flack, with Laura Whitmore emotionally telling viewers that she “loved love.”
— Scott Bryan (@scottygb) February 23, 2020
Every bit of credit to Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling for continuing to host the show after the horrible week they’ve had. They’re doing Caroline proud #LoveIsland
— Jack Toulson (@JackToulson12) February 23, 2020
The real winners of Love Island are Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling. They did a fantastic job under very difficult circumstances. Rip Caroline. #loveIslandfinal
— Claire Greene (@claireygreene) February 23, 2020
Shout out to Laura Whitmore. The past week will have been a horrendous position for her to be in but she’s handled it with nothing but grace, love and respect for her friend. Caroline would be proud of ya. #LoveIsland pic.twitter.com/1C8Kkiq4Lk
— JD (@Jonny_Dodds) February 23, 2020
Laura Whitmore is honestly incredible. To be able to stand live on TV and deliver a tribute to your friend who only passed away a matter of days ago and remain so professional and generally amazing??? Wow, what a woman, protect her at all costs ♥️ #LoveIsland #LoveIslandFinal
— Liv (@livgamblin) February 23, 2020
