This time last year, the UK and Irish entertainment industry was shocked to hear about the sudden passing of former Love Island presenter Caroline Flack at the age of 40.
Now, as we reach the first anniversary of the hugely talented and much-loved presenter's death, various fans, friends and acquaintances, have paid tribute to the late Ms. Flack.
Tributes were led by current Love Island host and close-friend of Flack's, Laura Whitmore, who took to Instagram to share a photograph of her and her friend, along with the following quote: 'You've got to laugh a little/Cry a little/Until the clouds/Roll by a little.'
Lewis Burton, Flack's ex-boyfriend, also paid tribute to her on his Instagram page using the 24-hour story feature, where he posted a picture of him and Flack captioned: '1 year, I will never forget you.'
Many others shared heartfelt messages celebrating the life of the troubled TV presenter.
Remembering Caroline Flack today ❤️ pic.twitter.com/wv4CjxCx7r
— boohoo (@boohoo) February 15, 2021
one whole year since this beautiful soul took her own life, she never deserved the shit the media gave her. she’s always gonna be in our hearts & remember, in a world where you can be anything, be kind❤️ #CarolineFlack pic.twitter.com/D2B2QrBkWs
— 𝗝𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗮 (@teamkwinslet) February 15, 2021
In a world where you can be anything, be kind. 💔 pic.twitter.com/3kmDrwAvEK
— Rita Ora 💥 (@RitaOra) February 15, 2021
Remembering the beautiful Caroline Flack.
— All On The Board (@allontheboard) February 15, 2021
May she rest in eternal peace.
Thoughts and prayers to her family and friends.
We need to always be kind. @allontheboard #CarolineFlack #BeKind #allontheboard pic.twitter.com/yE0VEy0FSA
TV Presenter #CarolineFlack first anniversary today! Bless her 🙏❤ pic.twitter.com/hxRSymDXkW
— Robbie Kane (@robbiekane74) February 15, 2021
We are here fighting for you @carolineflack you were so special and wonderful. @noexcuseforabuseuk is filming it’s 1st podcast today. We begin our journey to help end the media and social abuse that takes so many lives. Today is the day we pay tribute #noexcuseforabuseuk
— Wayne Lineker (@waynelineker) February 15, 2021
❤️🧡❤️ pic.twitter.com/JTzQDgBa7V
Remembering Caroline Flack. What came from such a tragic situation was an extremely powerful message-To be kind. There’s so much hate out there,especially online and Unkind words are typed far too easily to others.We never know what’s happening in someones mind, let’s be kinder❤️ pic.twitter.com/ZEvpfJ3Ap1
— Ash P (@Ash_Palmo) February 15, 2021
In the months before Flack's death, she found herself embroiled in controversy after she was charged with allegedly assaulting her 27-year-old boyfriend Lewis Burton in December of 2019.
She stepped down as the host of Love Island shortly after being charged, with her dear friend Laura Whitmore becoming the show’s new host.
Like many celebrities, she was hounded on various social media outlets and in newspaper publications for intrusion into her private life, which only increased following the assault allegations aimed at her.
It is speculated by many fans and celebrities alike that this contributed to the deterioration of her mental health.
In the aftermath of her deaths, friends and supporters of Flack called on the public to be kind to one another, while various news publications issued statements and removed negative content relating to Flack after the tragedy.
An inquest in August of last year heard how the star died by suicide after learning that prosecutors were going to press ahead with an assault charge against her: one which both parties denied ever happening.
Caroline got her start in the industry with a role in the comedy series Bo’ Selecta way back in 2002 before later appearing on programmes such as Big Brother’s Big Mouth, Gladiators UK and the Saturday morning show TMi.
She truly rose to fame when she became the host of I’m A Celebrity’s spin-off show, Get Me Out Of Here NOW!
Caroline Flack also hosted The Xtra Factor, a talk-show spin-off of The X-Factor, and was crowned champion of Strictly Come Dancing in 2014 alongside her professional dance partner Pasha Kovalev.
However, Flack was arguably best known for presenting Love Island and its spin-off, Love Island: Aftersun, between 2015 and 2019, a role which earned her two BAFTA awards.
Following Flack's death, broadcaster ITV, the channel responsible for airing Love Island, has said that it takes its duty of care very seriously and is working on ways to improve it, after the show lost two of its contestants to suicide as well as its presenter
If you have been affected by the subject of suicide raised in this article, you can ring The Samaritans on 116 123 or you can visit the official website for Pieta House for further information.
Help is always at hand and there is always someone to available to listen.