Laura Whitmore has paid an emotional tribute to her friend Caroline Flack, who was found dead in her London flat on Saturday. Speaking on her BBC Radio 5 Live show, Whitmore described Flack as 'vivacious' and 'loving', and said she 'loved to love'. The presenter fought back tears as she appealed to listeners to 'be kind' and called out paparazzi, tabloids and online trolls.
Whitmore, who took over as host of Love Island after Flack's arrest, said her friend 'loved to laugh' and had the 'most infectious chuckle'. She acknowledged Flack was not perfect, but noted she lived every mistake publicly under media scrutiny. 'The problem is, the outside world is not [loving and caring],' Whitmore said, urging those who have made mean comments online to look at themselves.
Flack's family lawyer confirmed she had taken her own life. The 40-year-old had been under 'huge pressure' since being accused of assaulting her boyfriend Lewis Burton in December. Burton, who did not support the case, wrote an emotional Instagram tribute, promising to 'be your voice baby'. Bail conditions had prevented Flack from contacting him ahead of her trial.
ITV cancelled Love Island broadcasts on Saturday and Sunday, but the show will return on Monday with a tribute. Whitmore played Robbie Williams' 'Angels', recalling how Flack danced to it on Strictly Come Dancing, which she won in 2014. 'Caroline, I'm so sad for you... I'm angry that you saw this as your only option,' Whitmore said.
