Love Island returned on Monday night for the first time since the death of Caroline Flack, but many viewers said they felt too “raw” to tune in.
The dating show’s former presenter was found dead at her home in east London on Saturday, having taken her own life.
Love Island did not air over the weekend but returned tonight with a tribute from narrator Iain Stirling, who remembered his friend’s “passion, warmth and infectious enthusiasm”.
— Love Island (@LoveIsland) February 17, 2020
Many fans said they did not feel right watching the programme after the TV star’s death.
One person posted on Twitter: “I can’t bring myself to watch #loveisland tonight. Feel like I’m doing Caroline and her family a diservice. It’s too soon and raw.”
“I’m going to be honest. I couldn’t watch Love Island.. Felt weird,” said another.
One tweeted: “Couldn’t even watch love island properly today, need to wrap it up.”
Another viewer said: “Couldnt watch love island it didnt seem right and im not the sentimental type, but i personally dont think the show will ever be the same its tainted it will always be associated with tragedy from now on.”
“Genuinely don’t think I can watch anymore #LoveIsland I don’t know if it’s a case of it’s back on too soon or what. Kinda lost its appeal to me,” posted another.
Others watched Stirling’s tribute to Flack before switching off.
“After Iain’s intro I couldn’t watch #loveisland it just feels too raw,” said one, while another fan said they “sobbed” at Stirling’s words.
“I can’t watch the rest tonight, it doesn’t seem right. I’ll watch it tomorrow,” added the viewer.
Another upset fan tweeted: “I switch of #LoveIsland I couldn’t watch it. It didn’t feel right to watch it. After the beautiful tribute to Caroline flack.”
Love Island continues on ITV2 and in Ireland on Virgin Media Television.