'Love Island' returned to our TV screens last night on a much more sombre note.
Following the tragic death of the show's previous presenter Caroline Flack on Saturday, the competition was put on hold Sunday night. ITV chose not to air the show as a mark of respect for the presenter's family and friends.
Last night, the South African version of the dating show was on our screens once again - with just a few episodes left until the final on Sunday 23rd.
The beginning of the episode offered up a heartfelt tribute to Caroline, voiced by Iain Stirling. Stirling's emotion was very clear from the outset.
— Love Island (@LoveIsland) February 17, 2020
Some regular viewers found the tribute very fitting and praised the 'Love Island' team for working together at such a tough time in the production.
Please can someone give Iain Stirling and the #LoveIsland crew a big big hug? Thank you for that perfect tribute. RIP Caroline Flack. pic.twitter.com/bfgmEV7l19
— Rebecca Lewis (@bexlewis361) February 17, 2020
I’ve just cried at Caroline tribute on love island. There’s something about her death that’s has shaken me to the very core. She’s been on my mind since it happened. In her words, be kind.
— Ryan Riley (@RyanRileyy) February 17, 2020
Feel for @IainDoesJokes in that intro. #LoveIsland
— Aden Theobald (@AdenTheobald) February 17, 2020
Oh, Iain’a voice in this broke me. Such a great loss ? sending love to the entire Love Island family and Caroline’s friends and family. So heartbreaking.
— ✨ (@ambersgill) February 17, 2020
For all those saying the tribute wasn’t fitting enough. Just stop and think about what you’re tweeting.
It was probably hard enough to do as it was. Iain did a wonderful job under the very difficult circumstances.
Nothing nice to say? Don’t say it. #LoveIsland
— JJ (@jakijellz) February 17, 2020
While other viewers found the episode too hard to watch and switched off. As the contestants haven't been told the news, many say that it doesn't feel right.
Personally, watching #LoveIsland tonight doesn’t feel right. So I’ve had to switch over. But if you are still watching, please be kind about the Islanders on here. #BeKind
— Elliot Gonzalez (@elliot_gonzalez) February 17, 2020
It doesn’t feel right to be watching the normal episode of Love Island - knowing none of the contestants have been told about Caroline Flack - after a really moving tribute at the top of the show. #loveisland
— Katie French (@journokatie) February 17, 2020
I seriously thought it was gonna be a little better than that
— Martin Donnelly (@Martdonnelly95) February 17, 2020
Feels mad weird watching the episode now after this intro ?
— ????????⁷ (@prettiestluxury) February 17, 2020
Viewers also praised the use of adverts from The Samaritans, instead of the regular Just Eat ad breaks.
Really good of ITV/Love Island/Just Eat to replace the sponsorship ads with Samaritans info tonight. A lot of stuff being done right
— Alex Donaldson (@APZonerunner) February 17, 2020
Sponsorship adverts during Love Island this evening have been replaced with this: pic.twitter.com/36nBtRCGmE
— Scott Bryan (@scottygb) February 17, 2020
