ITV accused of ‘double standards’ as Caroline Flack is forced to quit Love Island despite bosses supporting Ant McPartlin over drink-drive scandal
ByCharlotte Dean For Mailonline
Published:
ITV has been accused of ‘double standards’ after failing to support (Caroline Flackfollowing her arrest, despite backing Ant McPartlin over his drink-drive scandal.
The former (Love Island) host, 40, stepped down from the hit ITV2 show on Tuesday, as she declared that she did want to ‘detract from the upcoming series’ with her own personal drama, after she was arrested for ‘assault by beating’ on Thursday.
Insiders at ITV are said to be furious that bosses vowed to support Ant in his hour of need, whereas Caroline is reportedly yet to receive as much as a phone call from the broadcaster, reportsThe Sun.
Fury: ITV has been accused of ‘double standards’ after failing to support Caroline Flack following her arrest despite backing Ant McPartlin over his drink-drive scandal
A source told the website: ‘Ant hit a car carrying a child while drunk and he gets ITV’s full support. Caroline has a row with her boyfriend and she’s axed. It’s a crazy double standard. ‘
Behind-the-scenes some people apparently believe ITV bosses have failed their duty of care to Caroline, after she said she would be standing down after being charged with assaulting her boyfriend Lewis Burton, 27.
According to sources, Caroline has apparently hit an all time low after leaving her role as Love Island host for the foreseeable future.
Contrasting: Insiders at ITV are said to be furious that bosses vowed to support Ant in his hour of need, whereas Caroline is reportedly yet to receive as much as a phone call from the broadcaster
A source said: ‘Does ITV not have a duty of care towards her? This is a strong woman but she’s never felt as low as she has at this moment. It’s like her whole career has been taken from her. ‘
Another insider said: ‘She hasn’t even had a phone call from ITV. They haven’t waited for the outcome here. What if the charges are dropped? ‘
Despite the claims of abandonment, ITV did issue a statement of support, which read:‘ITV has a long standing relationship with Caroline and we understand and accept her decision.
‘We will remain in contact with her over the coming months about future series of Love Island. ‘
Support: Insiders at ITV are said to be furious that bosses vowed to support Ant in his hour of need, whereas Caroline is reportedly yet to receive as much as a phone call from the broadcaster
A source also told MailOnline: ‘The door is firmly open to Caroline.’
ITV has been contacted for comment by MailOnline.
(Carolinedecided to stand down asLove Islandhost on Tuesday, four days after she was charged with assault following a row with boyfriend Lewis at her home.
The presenter, who was recently given a £ 1.2m deal to host two seasons of the show a year, is said to be ‘devastated’, but for now, is only standing down from the sixth series, which ITV confirmed will begin on January (**********************************************.
Stepping away: Caroline decided to stand down as Love Island host on Tuesday, four days after she was charged with assault following a row with boyfriend Lewis at her home
Over: Caroline shared this post on Instagram on Tuesday as she broke her silence on the matter – the decision will no doubt prove to be a logistical nightmare for ITV
‘I’ve been offered help and understanding’: Caroline also thanked fans for their kindness and asserted her love for her boyfriend Lewis at the same time
Caroline broke her silence on Instagram and wrote: ‘There have been a significant number of media reports and allegations in regard to my personal life.
‘While matters were not as have been reported I am committed to co-operating with the appropriate authorities and I can’t comment further on these matters until the legal process is over.
‘However Love Island has been my world for the last five years, it’s the best show on telly. In order not to detract attention from the upcoming series I feel the best thing I can do is stand down from Series 6.
Events: Lewis appeared downcast on his solo shopping trip as he checked his phone
‘I want to wish the incredible team working on the show a fantastic series in Cape Town.’
Caroline continued: ‘And on a really personal level. I have never experienced such kindness and love in my whole life.
‘Not just from friends and family who are always the greatest but also from total strangers who send messages to me offering help and understanding … Please know that I see them and my boyfriend Lewis. I love you x. ‘
Shock: Caroline and Lewis have maintained that things are OK between them and she asserted on Tuesday that she loves him (pictured in October)
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