Stars pay tribute to 'kind and vibrant' Caroline Flack at Brit Awards
Tributes have continued to flow at Tuesday evening’s Brit Awards for late Love Island host Caroline Flack who was found dead in her East London flat aged 40 at the weekend.
UK comedian Jack Whitehall, who was the host of the prestigious London event, led the way by paying his respects to “kind and vibrant” Caroline, calling her “one of the Brits family”.
“She was a kind and vibrant person with an infectious sense of fun,” Jack, 31, told the audience during his opening monologue.
“She will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and feelings are with her friends and family,” he added, his voice was audibly trembling.
Brit viewers ‘in tears’
Following Jack’s touching speech, Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi took the stage to perform his hit “Someone You Loved” which he wrote in the wake of his grandma's death.
Lewis, who went on to win the best new artist award, brought viewers of the televised award show to tears with many taking to Twitter to share their reactions.
“Caroline Flack tribute then Lewis Capaldi with someone you loved, way to make us cry,” wrote one.
“Lump in throat and holding back the tears with that Jack Whitehall dedication to Caroline Flack and then they get Lewis Capaldi to song Someone You Loved right after,” said another.
Caroline Flack tribute then Lewis Capaldi with someone you loved, way to make us cry 😭 #Brits2020 #BRITs
— ! (@TVrealitysoaps) February 18, 2020
Lump in throat and holding back the tears with that Jack Whitehall dedication to Caroline Flack and then they get Lewis Capaldi to song Someone You Loved right after 😭💔😭💔😭#BRITs #Brits2020
— Victoria Wai 📷 (@Victoria__Wai) February 18, 2020
Harry Styles nod to ex
Caroline’s former boyfriend Harry Styles - who revealed he was mugged on Valentine’s Day - made a sweet nod to his late ex by walking the red carpet wearing a black ribbon on his lapel.
The One Direction star and the TV presenter dated from November 2011 to January 2012 when she was presenting The X Factor spin-off show, The Xtra Factor.
Later at the event, Harry appeared to tear up during an emotional rendition of his ballad “Falling”, which he performed while standing amid a pool of water.
Mourning Caroline
The tributes at the Brit awards come after an outpouring of grief from Caroline’s Love Island family and fans.
ITV cancelled an episode of the reality TV show after Caroline’s passing, however, some fans called for the popular series to be axed completely.
Laura Whitmore, who took over hosting duties when Caroline stepped down after being charged with assault, broke down while speaking about her late friend on BBC radio.
Jack Whitehall previously paid tribute to Caroline on Twitter after news broke of her death.
“Utterly devastating about Caroline Flack. She was a fun, kind beautiful person, always loved seeing her. So unfair that this has happened. Let’s pray we learn from this and remember to be a little bit more compassionate to people when they are down,” he wrote.
Utterly devastating about Caroline Flack. She was a fun, kind beautiful person, always loved seeing her. So unfair that this has happened. Let’s pray we learn from this and remember to be a little bit more compassionate to people when they are down.
— Jack Whitehall (@jackwhitehall) February 15, 2020
Sad passing
A lawyer for Caroline’s family confirmed the TV presenter had died by suicide on Saturday.
“We can confirm that our Caroline passed away today, the 15th of February,” her family said in a statement.
“We would ask that the press respect the privacy of the family at this difficult time and we would ask they make no attempt to contact us and/or photograph us.”
The TV presenter was awaiting trial after pleading not guilty to charges of assault by beating at a hearing last month. She was on bail and her trial was set to begin on March 4.
Additional reporting by Albertina Lloyd.
If you are concerned about the mental health of yourself or a loved one, seek support and information by calling Lifeline on 13 11 14, Mensline on 1300 789 978, or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.