Caroline Flack: Private funeral held for tragic Love Island presenter
Written by News on 11/03/2020
Friends and family of Caroline Flack have paid tribute at a private funeral.
The former Love Island presenter, 40, was found dead in her east London flat last month after she took her own life.
Stars including Amanda Holden and Stacey Solomon posted social media messages in her memory.
Britain’s Got Talent judge Holden appeared to mark the day by wearing a black and white T-shirt featuring an image of Flack and the words “Be kind”, a photo of which she posted on Instagram.
Solomon paid tribute on Instagram and said she would be avoiding social media for the day as a mark of respect.
The Loose Women presenter posted: “Today it doesn’t feel right to be on social media. So from me and the boys, we hope you have a good day.
“Hold your loved ones close, give them all of the cuddles you have in you and let them know how much you need them in your life.
“You never know when they really might need to know. Love you all. If you’re struggling with today, yesterday, the thought of tomorrow, please let someone know. Anyone.”
Flack was best known for presenting reality dating series Love Island since 2015, but also appeared on The Xtra Factor and won Strictly Come Dancing in 2014.
The presenter had stepped back from her TV work after being arrested and charged with assault.
She was due to go on trial for allegedly attacking her boyfriend Lewis Burton with a lamp at her home on 12 December.
She had pleaded not guilty to the charge and Burton said he had “never supported” Flack’s prosecution.
Flack’s management criticised the Crown Prosecution Service for pressing ahead with what it called a “show trial”, saying it had resulted in “significant distress to Caroline”.
A review of the case by the CPS found the decision to go ahead with the trial was “handled appropriately”.
Flack’s ex-boyfriend, Danny Cipriani, said she had been killed by “embarrassment and shame”.
The England rugby star posted an emotional video after her death, saying it was the fault of “the society we’ve created”.
A number of Flack’s friends also spoke out about social media trolling and tabloid reports.
Laura Whitmore, who replaced her as the presenter of the first winter series of Love Island, said Flack had “lived every mistake publicly under the scrutiny of the media”.
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: Caroline Flack: Private funeral held for tragic Love Island presenter
