Caroline Flack’s boyfriend has paid tribute to the TV presenter just one day after she died, saying his ‘heart is broken’.
Caroline was found dead in her East London flat yesterday, February 15, with a lawyer for the family confirming she had taken her own life. She was 40 years old.
The tragic news came weeks before the presenter was due to stand trial accused of assaulting her boyfriend, 27-year-old Lewis Burton, on March 4.
PA ImagesNow, Lewis has spoken out in the wake of his late partner’s death, posting a picture of the couple on Instagram and saying they had ‘something so special’.
Alongside the photo of the two cuddling at a beach bar, the 27-year-old promised he would ‘be your voice baby’, adding: ‘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.’
He wrote:
My heart is broken we had something so special. I am so lost for words I am in so much pain I miss you so much I know you felt safe with me you always said I don’t think about anything else when I am with you and I was not allowed to be there this time I kept asking and asking…
I love you with all my heart
Leading the tributes from other stars, Iain Stirling – who worked with Caroline on Love Island – shared an emotional video of the presenter dancing to Robbie Williams’ Angels during her time on Strictly Come Dancing in 2014.
In his post, Iain wrote: ‘Today my friend slow motion walked into heaven. I will miss her always. Thank you for everything x’
Those watching the video described it as ‘the simplest yet most beautiful’ tribute paid to Caroline, with one person writing: ‘I’ve seen a lot of tributes tonight, but it was this one which made me shed a tear.’
Today my friend slow motion walked into heaven. I will miss her always. Thank you for everything x
pic.twitter.com/gykAn9YE3U— Iain Stirling (@IainDoesJokes) February 15, 2020
Many former Love Island stars, who met Caroline when she hosted the show from 2015 to 2019, also paid tribute to the ‘beautiful, funny, talented and unique woman’ they all knew.
Laura Anderson, who appeared on the reality TV show in 2018, wrote: ‘You were and always will be loved by so many and I’m so sorry this life didn’t give you the support that you needed,’ adding that she hopes ‘we all learn something from this tragedy’.
Jack Fincham described her death as ‘devastating’, stating: ‘it was a pleasure knowing you Caroline my thoughts are with your family and loved ones,’ while Olivia Bowen Buckland simply wrote: ‘Lost for words. Broken heart. Thinking of you, your family & friends. Your smile will stay with me x’
Other celebrities also paid tribute to Caroline, while asking people to ‘be kind’ always, and to remember their words have consequences:
We never stopped laughing, flirting (who can forget that), eating cheeseburger chasers, singing (which I always loved hearing), the arguments (which I never won), the disagreements on what jokes to say or what outfits you should wear, these are the moments I’ve always cherished..
— Olly Murs (@ollymurs) February 16, 2020
I’ve just looked at some old private conversations myself and Caroline had on Twitter and ya know what!!! It was Caroline giving me advice on how to ignore trolls and press giving you shit! It was very hard to read!! RIP FLACK! Thank you for everything you done for me x 😢
— Sam Bailey Official (@SamBaileyREAL) February 16, 2020
Like many people I am saddened and shocked by the passing of Caroline Flack. My heart goes out to her family and close friends. It is tragic when a person feels this is the best solution to escape the negative feelings. Anyone in that darkness please talk to someone. RIPCaroline
— John Bishop (@JohnBishop100) February 16, 2020
..leading up to her passing with people harassing her 24/7. No one is perfect and we all make mistakes but this witch-hunt mentality from the public an press needs to stop. Be kinder. Praying for her family and close ones at this time 🙏💔
— Maya Jama (@MayaJama) February 15, 2020
Caroline is survived by Lewis, her parents, Christine and Ian, her brother Paul, and sisters Elizabeth and Jody.
Our thoughts are with Caroline’s loved ones at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Caroline.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
A Broadcast Journalism Masters graduate who went on to achieve an NCTJ level 3 Diploma in Journalism, Lucy has done stints at ITV, BBC Inside Out and Key 103. While working as a journalist for UNILAD, Lucy has reported on breaking news stories while also writing features about mental health, cervical screening awareness, and Little Mix (who she is unapologetically obsessed with).