'Love Island' Host Caroline Flack Dies by Suicide at Age 40 ... Weeks Before Assault Trial

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1:10 PM PT -- 2/16 -- Caroline's boyfriend, Lewis Burton, has spoken out in the wake of her death ... and he sounds heartbroken over the loss.

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The tennis player took to IG, writing ... "My heart is broken we had something so special," going on to say he knows she always felt safe with him and seemingly showing regret for not being able to be there for her.

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He finishes by saying, "I will be your voice baby I promise I will ask all the questions you wanted and I will get all the answers nothing will bring you back but I will try make you proud everyday."

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Lewis is the one Caroline was accused of attacking.

Former 'Love Island' host and well-known UK personality Caroline Flack died in her home this weekend after taking her own life -- this just weeks before she was set to go to trial.

The longtime reality TV presenter was found dead Saturday in her London apartment -- which her family confirmed in a statement to the British press. A family spokesman says, "We can confirm that our Caroline passed away today on the 15th of February. We would ask that the press both respect the privacy of the family at this difficult time."

Sky News reports Flack had killed herself, citing an attorney for the TV star.

Caroline was set to face a judge on March 4, pertaining to an assault case she was fighting there across the pond. Her tennis star boyfriend, Lewis Burton, had accused her of attacking him with a lamp at their home -- for which she was charged and pled not guilty.

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In December, she had stepped down from her 'Love Island' hosting role and was keeping a low profile, out of the public eye. On Instagram, however, she doubled down on her proclaimed innocence, and vowed not to be silenced and to keep living her life.

Several famous British TV presenters and hosts expressed shock over news of her death. Several people say the British press treated her harshly and unfairly -- criticizing the sympathetic tone several outlets and papers are taking today upon her death.

Besides 'LI,' Caroline had an extensive on-camera resume ... having appeared as a guest, panelist, judge and presenter on shows like 'Big Brother,' 'X Factor,' "Celebrity Juice," "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!," "Britain's Got More Talent," 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,' "Viral Tap," "Loose Women," "Sunday Brunch," "Strictly Come Dancing" and more.

She was 40.

RIP

Originally Published -- 2/15 11:05 AM PT

'Bachelor' Contestant Victoria F Sorry for 'White Lives Matter' Shoot ... It Was to Support Fish!!!

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'Bachelor' contestant Victoria F is finally addressing a controversy that's been dogging her for a minute now -- issuing a mea culpa for being part of a 'White Lives Matter' campaign.

The model -- who's currently still in the running for Peter Weber's final rose -- took to social media Saturday with a Notes-written apology for her eyebrow-raising shoot, which she posted on her Instagram story. It says, "I would like to sincerely apologize for my involvement with We Love Marlins. My intention was only to support an endangered species."

She continues in her post, "I want to say that I unequivocally reject the beliefs of the white lives matter movement or any propaganda that supports racism of any kind. I would like to specifically apologize to people of color that are affected by racism daily."

VF finished by saying, "It was never my intention to add fuel to the racial fire in this country. This has truly been an educational moment for me and I hope to be a voice against racism moving forward. I hope I can be shown grace as I navigate through this process."

The timing of her apology is interesting ... as we reported and as 'Bachelor' nation now knows, Victoria is in the final four group of girls who are taking Pete to their hometown.

We knew about the 'WLM' campaign -- which was meant to be a 'BLM' pun to raise awareness about over-fishing white Marlin -- but it went unaddressed as the show continued. About a week ago, however, Cosmo scrapped Victoria from their digital cover because of it.

No word if she ends up going the distance with Pete -- rumor has it he doesn't choose any of the remaining girls -- but it seems her post-'Bachelor' life demanded she speak on this.

The Bounce-Back Stripper Calls 15-Foot Pole Drop Blessing In Disguise

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Genea Sky -- the stripper who plummeted 15 feet off a pole -- says the ordeal is a blessing because it's forcing her to get out of stripping game.
wired shut

Genea Sky -- the stripper who plummeted 15 feet off a pole -- says the ordeal is a blessing because it's forcing her to get out of stripping game.

As we reported, Genea suffered several injuries, and her jaw was still wired shut Friday when she appeared on the 'Wendy Williams Show.' She described the fall and the aftermath as "the worst pain I've ever felt and I wouldn't wish it upon anyone."

That being said, the 24-year-old said she had been praying for something to force her to quit stripping ... so she could focus her attention on going back to beauty school to become an esthetician.

Wendy surprised Genea with a $10k scholarship to help her fulfill that career goal.

Speaking of financial help ... Genea also said the general manager at the Texas strip club where she performed, hit her up and will also be helping out with medical bills.

The cost is gonna be expensive. She detailed her injuries -- the visible ones and also the hidden ones ... which are pretty gruesome.

As we first told you, Genea said her pole-dancing days are over 'cause the fall really scared the crap out of her. She's received tons of offers from strip clubs and been asked to appear in music vids ever since she unintentionally went viral, but her answer is still ... no dice.

Jennifer Aniston Aging Like Fine Wine W/ Courteney Cox & Friends

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Remember that "Friends" episode? The one where Jennifer Aniston turns 51 and parties with some of her closest friends?? Well, allow us to jog your memory.

The actress celebrated the big 5-1 Tuesday night at the Sunset Tower Hotel in West Hollywood, where she made a sneaky quick entrance ... but her pals were slow to trickle out. Just a small handful of those in attendance ... her BFF and former "Friends" costar, Courteney Cox, jewelry designer Jennifer Meyer, Kevin Nealon and Chace Crawford.

We're sure there were way more guests that might've left through other exits ... Jen's pretty popular in Hollywood, if you hadn't heard. Has been for years now, in fact.

Speaking of the bday girl ... an interview she did with Interview Magazine was released Wednesday, featuring her on the cover looking as gorgeous as ever. There's also a photo spread inside -- which is sure to remind you why you watched "Friends" all those years ago.

Just kidding ... it was a good show. But, truthfully, JA made it all that much better. And hey,  now she's on another series, "The Morning Show," that shows off her chops in a drama.

Anyway, happy birthday to one of America's OG sweethearts. Here's to another year of good health, good roles and even better looks.

Mama June Won't $ee A Dime ... From New Reality Show

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Mama June's family crisis is not her new cash cow ... we've learned she won't be lining her pockets with money from a new reality show bearing her name.

Family sources tell TMZ ... the troubled reality star won't see a dime from WE tv's upcoming show, "Mama June From Not To Hot: Family Crisis," because she's not an active participant. The family's actually happy about it -- they're afraid of what Mama might do with the dough.

The show airs in March and our sources say it's going to focus on Honey Boo Boo, Pumpkin and the rest of the family, as they deal with the fallout from Mama's alleged drug addiction.

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Mama's a central figure in the story, but we're told she's not sitting down for interviews in front of WE tv cameras ... so there's no paycheck.

While Mama's Instagram page pimped the show promo, we're told it was actually posted by Mama's manager. Again, June's not actively involved.

Mama June Leaving Court 9/25/19
DECLARING 'VICTORY'

Instead, Mama's appearances will mostly include clips from her court dates with bad-boy boyfriend Geno, and the family's attempts to get her some help.

As we've reported ... Mama's been pretty desperate for cash since last year's arrest for crack cocaine possession ... she sold her house for much less than it's worth in a cash transaction, got booted from a hotel over an unpaid $2k bill, and recently pawned a diamond ring.

Our sources tell us Mama's family hopes she sees the show and realizes how much her loved ones are hurting ... and they want her to get better, if not for herself, then at least for them.

'Wild Wild West' Star Robert Conrad Dead at 84

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'Wild Wild West' star Robert Conrad has died.

The 1960s and '70s TV and film actor passed away Saturday due to heart failure at his home in Malibu, according to family spokesperson Jeff Ballard. Ballard, on behalf of the Conrads, tells TMZ ... "He lived a wonderfully long life and while the family is saddened by his passing, he will live forever in their hearts."

Conrad was a major star in his heyday, with lead roles in 'WWW' -- where he played Secret Service agent Jim West opposite Ross Martin as Artemus Gordon -- as well as Major Gregory 'Pappy' Boyington in 'Baa Baa Black Sheep,' later syndicated as 'Black Sheep Squadron.'

He was also featured on 'Hawaiian Eye,' 'Centennial,' 'Assignment: Vienna,' 'The D.A.,' '77 Sunset Strip,' 'Mission: Impossible,' 'High Mountain Rangers,' 'Jesse Hawkes,' 'High Sierra Search And Rescue,' and had brief appearances in other hit shows like 'Mannix,' 'Columbo,' 'The Duke,' 'J.J. Starbuck,' 'Adam-12,' 'The Gallant Men,' 'Sea Hunt' and 'Maverick,' among many, many others.

RC also acted in films and TV movies such as 'Young Dillinger,' 'The Bandits,' 'D.A.: Conspiracy to Kill,' 'Adventures of Nick Carter,' 'The Last Day,' 'Sudden Death,' 'The Lady in Red,' 'Hard Knox,' 'Police Story: Gladiator School,' 'Jingle All the Way,' 'Dead Above Ground' and more.

He's survived by his 8 children, whom he shared with two different ex-wives ... Joan Kenlay, and LaVelda Fann.

Conrad was 84. RIP

John Schneider Ex-Wife Says Pay Up ... You Owe Me $1 Million!!!

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'Dukes of Hazzard' star John Schneider is one stingy son of a gun, according to his ex-wife ... who claims he owes her 7 figures and she's taking extreme measures to get it.

John's ex, Elvira Schneider, claims the actor owes her more than $1 million in unpaid spousal support, dating back 4 years ... according to new docs obtained by TMZ.

All in, Elvira says Bo Duke's shorted her $1,115,824. And, you thought Boss Hogg was pissed?!? BTW, that massive figure includes a previously agreed-upon 10 percent interest rate.

As we first reported, John was ordered to pay $18,911 per month back in September 2016, while they were still hammering out the divorce. They finally reached a settlement last August, and his monthly nut jumped to $25,000.

John's ex thinks he should have no problem squaring up -- she claims he's raking in $172,777 PER MONTH!

If he can't pay it all in one lump sum, not to worry ... Elvira's got a plan. She's asked the court to give her a slice of John's income from 30 different studios and production companies that pay him.

'The Bachelor' Bikini Butt Photoshop ... Butchered!!!

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"The Bachelor" is guilty of a huge fashion faux pas -- or a digital one, anyway -- sloppily covering up bikini bottoms with what looks like Sharpies. Really. It's comical.

If ya missed it ... Monday's episode took Bachelor Peter Weber and his dates to Costa Rica for, among other things, a bikini photo shoot. Problem was ... the girls were apparently dressed too risque for someone -- either 'Bachelor' or ABC honchos. So, as they say, they fixed it in post-production ... by, literally, drawing more material onto their bikinis to cover the butt cheeks!!!

You really gotta see how bad it is to believe it.

When Peter and Sydney took off to a hot tub for a one-on-one date, the cover-up job makes it look like her bikini is 2 sizes too big.

During Lexi's time at a waterfall with Peter, her blue bottom looked ... just off.

The botched editing didn't go unnoticed ... with one hawk-eyed fan calling Victoria F's red bottom a terrible MS Paint job. Then there was Victoria P ... whose yellow bikini was made to look like she had a flap on her backside.

At least with Kelley's, bikini-print bottom editors decided to use the same print and color for the alteration ... but, again, it made it look like she was straight-up wearing an adult diaper. Depends on your perspective.

As for who screwed the pooch -- we've reached out to 'Bachelor' reps. No word back, but seems like a lock no one in post is getting a rose this week.

Dog the Bounty Hunter Chill Benihana Birthday Dinner ... No Sign of Moon Angell

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Dog the Bounty Hunter's tumultuous week of family drama was capped off with a birthday dinner filled with emotion ... but interestingly, without ONE key person.

Sources close to the reality TV star tell TMZ ... Duane celebrated his 67th birthday Tuesday with a small group of family and friends at a Denver Benihana. We're told everyone at the table shared stories ... including some about Beth Chapman, which made Dog a little weepy.

The guests included his daughter, Bonnie and her husband, his son, Garry, his advisor and Justin Bihag ... one of his employees who's run into legal trouble lately.

TMZ broke the story ... Justin was arrested for allegedly violating probation. Dog's other daughter, Lyssa, reportedly outed Justin to cops, but she's having some legal trouble of her own now.

It's a messy situation, and it all ties back to Justin's mom, Moon Angell.

In case you haven't heard, Moon is a longtime friend of Dog and Beth who's been accused of starting up a romantic relationship with the guy in the wake of Beth's passing. They've both denied anything physical is going on, insisting their relationship is platonic.

They even went on the 'Dr. Oz Show' and put on a "test" proposal to definitively confirm nothing fishy's going on between them, despite Lyssa's suspicions.

Interestingly enough, Moon was NOT at Dog's birthday dinner -- even though Justin was. We're told Dog loves the kid like one of his own and continues to look out for him.

No word on why Moon didn't show. But, probably doesn't hurt to let things cool off.

Bob Harper We Want 'Off Scale' Victories On New 'Biggest Loser'

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Bob Harper
biggest difference is ...

Bob Harper says what makes the 'Biggest Loser' reboot a big winner is what happens AFTER the contestants go home ... when the real work begins.

The host of the new 'BL' was on "TMZ Live" Tuesday, and while they're still going to have weight loss competitions ... he says the contestants will also be getting a huge helping hand whenever their time on the show ends.

The fitness guru also emphasizes the reboot's done away with "temptation challenges" and vote-offs. Bob explained there's a concerted effort to give contestants the necessary tools to continue a healthy lifestyle at home and on their own.

Arguably, that's the toughest part for most of the 'BL' cast ... according to Bob. The show's now airing Tuesday nights on USA and, overall, he says you can expect a "kinder, gentler" approach to slimming down.

BTW ... Bob's got no beef -- literally and figuratively -- when it comes to the term "weight loss" and he explains why it's NOT taboo to say so ... for him, at least.

Shannen Doherty I'm 'Dying' of Stage 4 Cancer

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10:21 AM PT -- In the new docs, obtained by TMZ, Shannen does not skirt her dire diagnosis in her lawsuit against State Farm. The opening line says, "Plaintiff Shannen Doherty is dying of stage 4 terminal cancer."

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Her attorney points out she's unable to live out "her remaining years peacefully in her home" because State Farm is still arguing with her over covering the cost of repairs to her home following the fire.

Shannen Doherty is in the battle of her life after revealing her cancer has returned ... and this time it's even more aggressive.

The former '90210' star said Tuesday she's been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Shannen also revealed the cancer came back last year -- before her former costar Luke Perry's death -- and has kept it private until now.

As for why she revealed her diagnosis Tuesday ... Shannen says her condition was going to become public this week as part of her lawsuit against State Farm over unpaid claims following damage to her house caused by last year's devastating Wolseley fire.

She said, "I'd rather people hear it from me. I don't want it to be twisted, a court document. I want it to be real and authentic. I want to control the narrative. I want people to know from me."

Shannen said of Luke's sudden passing, "Why wasn't it me? It was so weird for me to be diagnosed and then somebody who was seemingly healthy to go first."

You'll recall Shannen -- who said the only person she had told about her diagnosis was Brian Austin Green -- was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. She went into remission in 2017.

She sued her management company claiming they mismanaged her insurance premiums and let her policy lapse at a critical time when doctors could've done an early detection of her breast cancer. They've since settled out of court.

Originally published -- 6:25 AM PT

'Bachelor' Contestant Victoria F Digital Cosmo Cover Scrapped ... Over Old 'WLM' Shoot

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'Bachelor' contestant Victoria F won a major challenge during this week's episode, but she's not gonna reap the rewards today because of her White Lives Matter past.

ICYMI ... Peter Weber's current batch of ladies competed in a fun competition on Monday night's episode, in which they posed for Cosmo in Costa Rica for the chance to be featured in a future issue. Victoria F won, but Cosmo's had a change of heart.

Cosmo's editor-in-chief, Jessica Pels, wrote a letter Monday night explaining why Cosmo is NOT going to publish a digital cover of their March edition -- which would've had Victoria on the cover -- because she once posed in a "White Lives Matter" hat. The "white" was referring to white marlins.

Pels says she's aware the slogan was a pun to raise awareness about over-fishing white marlins -- but she says that's irrelevant ... the slogan is racist.

She says that's why Cosmo's not gonna give Victoria the pleasure of being published on their site. Their print edition is already in production, and the "Bachelor" shoot -- which includes pics of Victoria -- will be inside. Cosmo wasn't aware of the controversy in time to stop its presses.

Of course, we already know Victoria is one of the 4 gals who make it to the hometown dates. Ya gotta wonder if her WLM past will ever be raised with Petey.

Mario Lopez, Elizabeth Berkley Back To School ... 'Saved By The Bell' Reboot

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Mario Lopez and Elizabeth Berkley are back on campus for another round of "Saved By The Bell" ... which means they're back in character as A.C. Slater and Jessie Spano.

Mario and Elizabeth were spotted shooting the reboot Monday in Los Angeles, over 30 years after they first started starring in the hit series way back in 1989 ... talk about a blast from the past.

Mario doesn't look like he's aged much at all ... and he's still got those famous A.C. jock vibes. Elizabeth's keeping it business casual as Jessie ... the former students are reportedly playing roles as parents in the reboot.

Bayside High School is where it's all going down once again.

The new series is said to focus on a group of low-income students transferring into the wealthy Pacific Palisades at the direction of Zack Morris, who went on to become Governor of California.

Dog the Bounty Hunter Focusing On Me With Show on Back Burner

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Dog the Bounty Hunter's got a new #1 job -- now that he's without his wife, Beth, and his TV show -- and that's himself.

Sources close to the situation tell TMZ ... the future of "Dog's Most Wanted" is currently up in the air. WGN ran it last season, but the superstation is under new ownership and has changed its prime time lineup to a 3-hour news show.

Dog would normally be shooting his hit show right now, but instead, he's on hiatus and that means he has a lot of free time on his hands. We're told he plans to use it as "me" time -- doing a lot of self-exploration and chasing passions like fishing. He has a favorite fishing hole in Colorado, so we're told he'll be there a lot.

He's also going to work with at-risk youth -- and, of course, continue working bounty hunter cases. It ain't just a TV show, it's his real-life gig.

Speaking of which, even though his show -- the No. 1-rated original series on WGN -- is off the air right now, he still wants to stay connected with fans. We're told he'll keep scheduling meet-and-greets.

As we reported, Dog's also grown close to one of his late wife's friends, Moon -- and even proposed to her during a 'Dr. Oz' taping. That's caused plenty of strife in his family -- but Dog's gonna have time to patch things up if that's what he wants to do.

Idris Elba My New Car-Stunt Show It's Got Monster Potential!!!

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Idris Elba's got some serious testicular fortitude ... 'cause his new car-stunt show really put his family jewels to the test.

TMZ's obtained the first images from the actor's new show coming to Quibi. Idris and elite rally driver Ken Block are teaming up for an 8-episode series dubbed "Elba vs. Block." They'll go head-to-head in car stunts to see who can outlast the other.

It's unclear if these are death-defying stunts, but with names like "Wall of Death," "Car Tightrope" and "Flaming Obstacle Course" it sure as hell seems like it. In one of the images, either Idris or Ken drive a go-kart through a vertical loop.

The 'Hobbs & Shaw' star has gone on record to say he loves speed and counts himself as a "wheel man" ... and no doubt this new show puts him front and center in some grueling challenges.

ICYMI ... Quibi is short for "quick bites." It's the first-ever entertainment platform designed specifically for phones to deliver episodes and movie-quality shows in 10 minutes or less.

It launches April 6 with original content from Jennifer Lopez, Liam Hemsworth, Zac Efron, Kendall Jenner, 50 Cent, Steph Curry, Chrissy Teigen and Kristen Bell ... plus our own celebrity show with a TMZ edge.

The 30-second Super Bowl ad made/WILL MAKE its debut Sunday just after kickoff.