Caroline Flack's pals lay bare her true feelings on Laura Whitmore taking Love Island role

Caroline Flack's friends have spoken out on the voice messages they received from the star after it was announced Laura Whitmore would be replacing her as Love Island host

Heartbroken friends of Caroline Flack have opened up about her 'real feelings' towards Laura Whitmore taking over her role as Love Island presenter.

In December 2019, just months before Caroline's tragic death, it was revealed that Laura would be taking on the role of host for the ITV2 dating show. Days earlier, Caroline had a difficult conversation with ITV bosses that she wouldn't be able to front the show any longer. It came after she had been charged with assault following an argument with then boyfriend, Lewis Barton.

Laura hosted the show until 2022, when she was replaced with Maya Jama. Last week, as it marked five years since Caroline's tragic death, Laura took to Instagram to share screenshots from a Whatsapp conversation with Caroline after she had secured the role.

However, it was said her decision to share the messages was viewed as 'totally unnecessary' by Caroline's circle.

Although Caroline was seen saying she hoped Laura secured the role, and was happy for her, Caroline's friend has revealed that the late star left voice notes for her friends after Laura was revealed as host, expressing her devastation. Speaking to the Daily Mail, a friend of the star said "it broke Caroline's heart."

"She had clung on to the hope that the charges would be dropped and that she would be able to continue after all. Next Laura had the job. It felt awful for Caroline. She knew Laura a bit, but not particularly well, but her job had been snatched away from her. Caroline was furious and desperately upset," the said.

In a WhatsApp conversation shared by Laura last week, Caroline had messaged Laura on December 18 2019 to inform her she was having a chat with ITV, and 'hoped Laura got the job'. When the news was confirmed, Laura later messaged Caroline saying: "I've been offered the role for this series and they're going to announce it today. It's been back and forth last few days as you can imagine so I couldn't say anything to anyone until literally now but wanted to tell you first. I'll do my very best to give it the justice it deserves. How are you doing? xx."

Responding with a red love heart emoji, Caroline said: "I'm glad it you xxx." Laura responded: "That means a lot thank you x."

Revealing that she had recently retrieved the old messages, Laura penned: "Looking at messages I've never publicly shared as they were private messages. I think they show a side to Caroline which is nice to remember. Hence I'm sharing now." After sharing the messages, many thanked her for sharing, as Love Island star Laura Anderson added: "Thanks for sharing."

However, others questioned the decision, as one said: "Why would Laura do that? They were private messages between them, Caroline's nearest and dearest wouldn't publicly share private correspondence so why would Laura?" as others slammed it as 'poor taste'.

If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTubeand Threads.