Love Island host Laura Whitmore broke down on live radio this morning as she paid a tear-jerking tribute to tragic friend Caroline Flack.
The ITV regular kicked off her Sunday morning programme with an emotional statement about the loss of the former Xtra Factor presenter and defended the hit ITV show.
Speaking at the start of her 10am show, Laura, 34, said: “I wish we were talking under better circumstances and I have been debating weather I should, or could, come on air today.
“But this isn’t about me. Yesterday we lost someone before their time.
“At aged 40 Caroline Flack made the decision to take her own life and I want to talk about it and her and give her the respect that she deserves.”
Laura Whitmore was best friends with Caroline Flack (Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Hugo Boss)
Fighting back tears, the brave star continued: “She was bubbly and for such a small stature, commanded a room. She loved to laugh and had the most infectious chuckle. She also had many struggles, I am not to pretend she was perfect.
“She lived every mistake publicly under the scrutiny. Caroline loved to love, that’s all she wanted
“Which is why the show Love Island was important to her. The problem wasn’t the show, the show was loving, caring and safe and protective. The problem is, the outside world is not.
“People who make unkind comments on an online forum need to look at themselves. Sorry.
“To the press the newspaper – who demonise and tear down distress we have had enough.
Laura Whitmore bravely continued to host her BBC Radio 5 Live show on Sunday (Image: Getty Images)
“I have seen journalists and Twitter warriors talk about this tragedy and they themselves have twisted what the truth is.
“You don’t have to tear down someone to feel good about yourself to listeners be kind only you are res possible for how you treat others.
“I have had messages and been harassed for doing my job. I want to use my platform to call people out. It’s gone too far, your words affect people.
“Enough.
“I would to thank ITV and BBC for the support that I have had. And those who supported my decision to come in today as I felt it was the right thing to do.
“To my boyfriend, the kindest man I know, to the whole Love Island family who are mourning for their colleague and friend.
I love you. To everyone, be kind in what you say.”
Caroline was found dead at her east London home on Saturday after taking her own life.
Earlier today her boyfriend Lewis Burton told how his “heart is broken” over the 40-year-old’s death.
Posting to Instagram he said: “I am so lost for words I am in so much pain I miss you so much I know you felt safe with me you always said I don’t think about anything else when I am with you and I was not allowed to be there this time I kept asking and asking.”
Burton, 27, added: “I will be your voice baby I promise I will ask all the questions you wanted and I will get all the answers nothing will bring you back but I will try make you proud everyday.
“I love you with all my heart.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
