Remembering Caroline Flack: tributes pour in for the presenter echoing her mantra to ‘be kind’

Caroline Flack tragically passed away a year ago today and the late presenter’s kindness and warmth have not been forgotten as tributes pour in from friends, fans, and colleagues. 

Caroline, who is perhaps best known as the host of ITV’s hit reality show Love Island and as the winner of Strictly Come Dancing in 2014, passed away aged 40 after taking her own life. Her mantra to ‘be kind’ has taken on even more significance in light of this devastating loss.

Today, on the anniversary of her death, friends, co-stars, and fans have all taken to social media to remember the star and helping to raise awareness of the importance of mental health and looking out for those around us. Love Island co-star Iain Stirling, who narrates the hit series, shared two beautiful photographs of him and Caroline together. 

Beaming at the camera, her warmth and the closeness of their friendship comes shining through, echoed in his heartfelt caption.

‘To my friend Caroline, thinking of you today. Miss you mate x’ he wrote. Whilst his wife and fellow Love Island co-star Laura Whitmore shared a similarly poignant post. 

In it, the words ‘You’ve got to laugh a little Cry a little Until the clouds Roll by a little’ are featured, whilst the next photo shows her and Caroline side by side. 

Broadcaster Laura Jackson also shared a picture of happy times with Caroline, along with an incredibly powerful caption that detailed just how much the late star meant to her. 

She spoke of Caroline’s 'unbelievable powerful pull - the kind of pull that’s so hard to explain' and of how she 'commanded every room [she] walked in' even though she had the 'smallest feet known to man'. 

'You were the most fun; wild, ridiculous, brilliant, unbelievable fun. Whenever anything ridiculous happened - good or bad - it was always "content for the book",' Laura continued. 

‘You loved love. You really did love love’ she declared, adding: ‘So many memories I know we will all treasure forever. Thank you for the good times - there were so many. And all the amazing people I have in my life because of you. You are and always will be a very special Wally. I loved you dearly.’ 

When it came to echoing Caroline’s plea to ‘be kind’, chef Gizzi Erskine was also amongst those encouraging people to really consider how others might be in need of your help. 

In her Instagram post, she shared the powerful words: ‘We are not all in the same boat, we are in the same storm. Some have yachts, some have canoes, and some are drowning. Be kind and help whoever you can.’

Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden also shared a moving tribute to Caroline, where she revealed she still wonders how the star would be dealing with current events. 

‘I think about this little one a lot, what she would be up to now and how she would be coping in this weird new world that changes every day. . She is missed 🌈 ‘ Amanda wrote, posting a heart-warming picture of the two hugging tightly. 

Love Island host Caroline died at her home on 15 February last year. These poignant posts and messages remind us all to cherish those we loved and look out for those who may be struggling. 

Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time. 

Coping with anxiety, depression and stress has perhaps proved especially challenging in recent times and so it has never been more important to look out for ourselves and others' wellbeing. 

If you or someone who know finds themselves in need of support or someone to talk to in a safe space, they can reach out to Samaritans 24 hours a day by calling 116 123 for free or by emailing jo@samaritans.org in the UK.