Tributes have been paid to the broadcaster Caroline Flack, whose death has been announced at the age of 40.

The presenter's death was confirmed by her family in a statement on Saturday evening.

The statement read: "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."

Tributes have poured in following the shocking news from friends, fellow stars and fans, with many expressing anger at how they felt Flack had been treated by the media and online after she was charged with assaulting her boyfriend, Lewis Burton. She had pleaded not guilty to the charge and was due to return to court next month.

Laura Whitmore, who took over hosting duties on the latest series of Love Island from Flack, took to Instagram stories to pay tribute to her late friend. She shared a poem with the caption: "I'm trying to find the words but I can't." 

X Factor host Dermot O'Leary posted a picture of himself and Flack and wrote: "Just the worst news. Poor soul. Sending love to hers, and yours. Hold them tight tonight people. X Candles lit."

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TV duo Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly shared a tribute to on their joint Twitter account, writing: "We are both devastated to hear the news about Caroline Flack. It is beyond sad. Beyond words. So tragic. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family. Rest In Peace Caroline XX."

Broadcaster Angela Scanlon said: "Devastating news about Caroline. It has become so easy for people to forget or ignore that famous people are humans with hearts who were once children. We are all part of the problem. I hope she's found her peace and that her family will be given some peace too."

TV presenter Jonathan Ross said he had been in touch with Flack recently, adding in a message on Twitter: "I am very sad to hear that Caroline Flack is dead. I had been in touch with her recently and had hoped she was doing better. She was talented and smart and likeable and she will he [sic] missed. It's awful."

Radio and TV presenter Edith Bowman tweeted: "I can't quite believe what has happened. Caroline you didn't deserve this. Such sad and tragic news. Love to all her family."

"The media and social media have SO much to answer for," she continued. "RIP Lovely Flack."

Davina McCall wrote: "I'm so so sad to hear about @carolineflack1. I don't even know what to say. But my heart goes out to her friends and family x I might be a bit quiet tonight on social media .. just doesn't seem right."

Zoe Ball tweeted: "Devastating news about Caroline. Thoughts with her family and loved ones."

Fellow TV and radio presenter Rylan Clark-Neal posted on Instagram: "Apologies for the last 15 mins of my show. I'd been informed of the news and was and still am in complete shock. Gutted. So sad. Sleep well Flack x."

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Sports presenter Dan Walker said: "Awful news about Caroline Flack. We really need to be better at taking care of each other. So sad."

In a follow-up tweet, Walker added: "Our 'cancel' culture is brutal. We all have demons and flaws but we dehumanise each other & are then surprised when it all becomes too much for some."

Paying tribute on his Instagram stories, This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield said: "You poor darling girl my heart is breaking #BeKind."

Former Love Island contestant Wes Nelson shared a photo on Instagram, writing: "Caroline Flack was an absolute diamond, my hearts [sic] genuinely broken! One of the warmest funniest people I've ever met, I have nothing but great memories!

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"It was just weeks since we were chatting away... My tears, thoughts and prayers go out to her family at this extremely difficult time! I'm lost for words R.I.P." 

Strictly Come Dancing host Tess Daly, who saw Flack win the show in 2014, said: "Absolutely shocked and devastated at this tragic news. Rest in peace Caroline you beautiful girl. My heart goes out to your family and loved ones at this time XXXX."

Strictly co-presenter Claudia Winkleman said: "Such heartbreaking news. Sending so much love to Caroline's family and friends. XXX."

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