Caroline Flack’s friend Danny Bell has shared a beautiful tribute to his mate, a little over a week after the former Love Island presenter died at the age of 40.
The star was found in her east London home on Saturday 15 January, after she took her own life, and Danny – a TV producer who met Caroline years ago – has spoken about how he’s still coming to terms with the loss of the bubbly host.
Sharing an insight into his friendship with the presenter, Danny detailed his thoughts on Caroline’s trajectory from children’s show star to household name, describing it (as well as her life) as ‘jagged and chaotic’.
Saying that ‘knowing that she’s gone is just horrible’, Danny wrote for Grazia in a heartfelt tribute: ‘Caroline had an amazing ability to be two completely opposing forces at the same time. She could be loved and hated all at once. Both vulnerable and hard as nails.
‘She was an incredibly complicated person who had incredibly complicated relationships with the people she loved.’
However he made it clear he wants Caroline to be known for her zest, and not as a victim of any sort.
He continued: ‘But the way I’m going to remember her isn’t as a victim. It’s as an absolute powerhouse who unapologetically lived her life the way she wanted to live it.
‘Caroline’s death is a tragedy. An avoidable tragedy. But in her time here she experienced more than most people would in a hundred lifetimes.
‘She won Strictly, was the worst contestant of all time on Bake Off, is part of the DNA of Love Island. She hosted I’m A Celeb, The X Factor, and all while going on holiday about 300 times a year and going out with absolutely everybody.’
Danny finished off his tribute by writing: ‘Caroline was a superstar, irreplaceable on our TV screens, and irreplaceable as a friend. And I’m really, really going to miss her.’
Sunday night’s Love Island was dedicated to the star who hosted the show up until this year, before she stepped back following an assault charge stemming from an incident with boyfriend Lewis Burton.
Laura Whitmore was yesterday praised for her hosting, after the presenter filled in for her friend this season, with her message to Caroline leaving viewers in tears.
Following footage of the islanders embracing their last morning in the Love Island villa, cameras cut to Laura who dedicated this year’s final to her friend.
She choked up as she told viewers at home how ‘difficult’ the past week has been for her and the Love Island team.
Laura said: ‘Caroline loved Love Island and that’s why tonight’s final is dedicated to her.’
A montage of Caroline’s time on Love Island then followed, showing the presenter throughout the series over the years, her interactions with contestants and her infectious laugh playing out.
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