‘Utterly gut wrenchingly tragic’: Ant and Dec lead tributes to Caroline Flack

Ant and Dec have led the tributes to Caroline Flack, saying her death is “so tragic” and “beyond words”.

The duo said they were “devastated” to hear the presenter had taken her own life at the age of 40.

The X Factor, on which Flack worked, said she was a “much loved member of family” and it was “absolutely devastated by this tragic news”.

Strictly Come Dancing, which Flack won with professional partner Pasha Pasha Kovalev in 2014, said Flack “shone brightly” and had an “infectious energy and passion for dance”.

Presenter Tess Daly tweeted that she was “shocked and devastated”, while Claudia Winkleman described it as “heartbreaking news”.

Former Girls Aloud star Cheryl posted a tribute on Instagram, saying that her death was “just so utterly gut wrenchingly tragic”.

Sport Relief said Flack “generously gave her time and talent”.

Broadcaster Kirsty Gallacher called Flack her “little sister” and said they shared “20 years of friendship”.

Laura Whitmore, who replaced Flack on Love Island, said: “I’m trying to find the words but I can’t.”

Jonathan Ross said he had “been in touch with her recently and had hoped she was doing better”.

Comedian Jack Whitehall described Flack as “a fun, kind beautiful person” and said it was “so unfair that this has happened” in a tweet.

Her friend Dawn O’Porter posted a string of messages on Twitter, one which said: “At some point I will find my words, and I will write the tribute she deserves. My dear friend. I’m lost.”

Amber Gill, who won Love Island last summer, said the presenter was a “supportive friend in a time of need”.

Former X Factor contestant Josh Cuthbert said Flack was “incredibly lovely and supportive”, adding that the media needed to “take some sort of accountability here”.

Emmerdale actress Laura Norton also took issue with the press scrutiny of celebrities, saying that Flack had been “vilified, bombarded”.

Holby City actress Rosie Marcel expressed concern about “negative hounding that has become a norm (and) needs to stop”.

In a message to social media keyboard warriors, boxer Tony Bellew wrote: “Think before you type an insult.”

Holby City actress Chizzy Akudolu said: “We must stop the hounding, the malicious tweets and memes.”

“Press editors make money from destroying these sensitive souls,” said Mikey Graham from Boyzone.

Radio presenter Liz Kershaw referred to Flack’s forthcoming trial, after she was arrested and charged with assault.

Kershaw tweeted: “What happened to innocent until proven guilty?”

Boy George posted: “I hope all of you who attacked Caroline Flack even when her partner said he wanted no charges feel some sorrow today. This did not need to happen.”

Hockey gold medallist Sam Quek said: “The saddest thing in all this is that Caroline will never see the outpouring of love for her. If only she knew yesterday.”

:: Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.

(c) Sky News 2020: ‘Utterly gut wrenchingly tragic’: Ant and Dec lead tributes to Caroline Flack