Caroline Flack ‘angry’ at ‘dangerous’ Love Island criticism: ‘This is a much bigger issue than just a reality TV show’

Caroline Flack has revealed her anger at criticism of Love Island following the death of former contestant Mike Thalassitis, describing the backlash as “dangerous.”

The star, who is set to return as presenter of the ITV2 dating series next month, told Cosmopolitan that it isn’t fair “to point fingers of blame” at reality TV.

“It’s dangerous and I’m really, really angry,” she told the magazine. “It’s not just that you’re blaming a TV show, you’re blaming people and their jobs.

“In life we all have a duty of care to look out for each other, but I don’t think it’s fair to point fingers of blame.

“This is a much bigger issue than just a reality TV show, and when something this bad happens - and I’m talking about Mike - when something this horrible and sad occurs, it’s so dangerous to point fingers within hours and minutes of it happening.”

The 39-year-old said that it is important to consider “the bigger picture, about what’s going on with young men and young people and the pressures of modern life.”

She described Thalassitis’ death aged 26 as “too sad and too sensitive to talk about,” adding: “He was always a total gentleman to me and I’m going to be a total lady back.”

Discussing her own love life, Flack revealed that she is “enjoying” dating following her split from former fiance Andrew Brady - although she feels “a lot more powerful” when she is single.

“Being engaged was the best feeling in the world - that someone wants to spend the rest of their life with you,” she told the magazine. “We had a wonderful year but it didn’t work out.

“I don’t want anything bad to happen to Andrew, I wish nothing but good things for him. But I feel a lot more powerful when I’m on my own.”

Read the full interview in the July issue of Cosmopolitan, on sale May 31. Pictures courtesy of Cosmopolitan and Rachell Smith.