Caroline Flack Remembered By Friends On Anniversary Of Her Death

Love Island's Iain Stirling and Laura Whitmore led the tributes a year on from Caroline's death.

Caroline Flack’s friends and colleagues have been paying their respects to the late presenter on the first anniversary of her death.

Love Island narrator Iain Stirling – who worked alongside Caroline on five series of the hit ITV dating show – posted a photo of them at an event, writing: “To my friend Caroline, thinking of you today. Miss you mate.”

Laura Whitmore also posted a throwback photo of herself and Caroline, as well as a clip of herself paying tribute on her BBC Radio 5 Live show on Sunday.

“It doesn’t get any easier to comprehend, and sometimes when you can’t think of the right words to say, a song can feel more appropriate,” she’s heard saying.

“So, it will be a difficult time, but I hope, [it’s also] a chance to celebrate her memory.

“This song, to those who knew Caroline well, is so special. Her family played it at her funeral last year and Imelda May has kindly recorded a version just for us, this is one of Caroline’s favourite songs, The Glory Of Love.”

Laura also posted a photo of a poignant line from the song, which read: “You’ve got to laugh a little, cry a little, until the clouds roll by a little.”

Another close friend of Caroline’s, Dawn O’Porter, shared a passage from her recent book on her Instagram story, in which she reflects on the year since her death.

“It’s good to talk about grief because no matter how alone it makes you feel, you are actually surrounded by a lot of people who have felt it too,” she said.

“If you dare to open up it does help.”

Dawn also shared a personal photo of herself and Caroline, writing: “I miss you my love.”

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Caroline Flack was remembered by her close friend, Dawn O'Porter
Instagram/Dawn O'Porter

Rita Ora – who worked with Caroline on The X Factor in 2015 – remembered Caroline as an “angel among us”, while Scarlett Moffatt said: “In a world where you can be anything, be kind. Thinking of you always.”

Keith Lemon also posted a moving collage of pictures of Caroline on Instagram.

Reality star Vas Morgan paid his respects while also calling for an end to “media bullying”.

“I hoped the devastation magnitude of Caroline’s death would help put an end to these dangers. But sadly, it didn’t,” he said. “So I ask you, when will this end? How many more lives must we lose? Please use your platforms responsibly. Spread love. Send love.”

Tennis pro Lewis Burton, who was in a relationship with Caroline prior to her death, also shared a photo of them together, writing: “One year... I will never forget you.”

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Caroline and lewis were in a relationship at the time of her death.
Lewis Burton/Instagram

Several stars from past series of Love Island have also paid their respects to the presenter on social media, including Olivia Attwood, who posted a clip of herself and Caroline dancing with a dove emoji.

Dr Alex George said Caroline “will never be forgotten”, while Malin Andersson said: “A year today Caroline. Rest well with the Angels.”

Useful websites and helplines

Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393.

Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).

CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58, and a webchat service.

The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email help@themix.org.uk

Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0808 801 0525 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on rethink.org.