Caroline Flack, known to millions as the host of the U.K. edition of Love Island, died by suicide in February 2020 at age 40. Her death came just months after she was charged with assault following an incident involving her then-boyfriend, Lewis Burton. A coroner later determined that the intense public attention surrounding her upcoming trial contributed to the emotional distress she was experiencing at the time.
Now, according to People, a new two-part docuseries, Caroline Flack: Search for the Truth, takes a closer look at the months leading up to her death.
The project features interviews with Flack’s mother, Christine, her longtime agent, Louisa Booth, and her close friend, Mollie Grosberg, among others. Through their accounts, the series pieces together the pressure, confusion, and scrutiny that surrounded the television personality in her final days.
Flack hosted Love Island from 2015 to 2019. In December 2019, she was charged with assault after an altercation with Burton. According to the docuseries, the incident began when Flack saw a message from another woman on Burton’s phone.
During the argument that followed, she struck him with the device, causing a minor head injury. Though Burton did not support pursuing charges, police appealed the initial decision not to prosecute.
The documentary details the events of the night before Flack’s first court appearance. Grosberg recalls receiving a call from Flack and realizing she was intoxicated. When Grosberg and others arrived, Flack had consumed alcohol and prescription medication. Grosberg describes calling a doctor for guidance, fearing that Flack might not survive the night.
Booth also remembers being uncertain whether Flack was well enough to attend court the next morning, but ultimately preparing her to appear.
Footage of the hearing showed Flack appearing tired and withdrawn. She later shared on Instagram that she was experiencing “the worst time of my life,” writing that she felt unsure of where to turn or whom to trust. She was released on bail with conditions preventing her from contacting Burton before trial.
Flack died by suicide two months later. Coroner Mary Hassell stated that Flack understood she would face “media, press, publicity — it would all come down upon her,” which played a role in her decision.
Caroline Flack: Search for the Truth streams Nov. 10 on Hulu in the U.S. and on Disney+ internationally.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for confidential support 24/7.