Love Island’s funnyman Iain Stirling returned to his role as the iconic voiceover tonight, this time to deliver a more serious message and to pay tribute to his friend Caroline Flack.
Against a background of sea, the nations favourite narrator urged society to “try to be kinder” and always “love and listen to one another.”
In the heartfelt tribute he said: “Caroline and me were together from the very start on Love Island.
“Like many of you we are just trying to come to terms with what is happening.
“Caroline I want to thank you for all the fun times that we had making the show.”
Iain Stirling was among many celebrities who paid tribute to his friend Caroline Flack today
“Right now we are all just trying to come to terms with what happened. My only hope is that we can all try to be kinder, always show love and listen to one another.
“You were a true friend to me, I’m going to miss you Caz.”
An advert was broadcast between the show and also featured #bekind with Samaritan advice.
Iain had worked with Caroline on Love Island from the very beginning when the reality show took the nation by storm in 2015.
The comedian was also amongst hundreds of celebrities who flooded social media to pay tribute to their beloved friend and work colleague.
Sharing the moment Caroline wowed spectators with her captivating performance on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, dancing to Robbie Williams tear-jerk song Angels.
Iain and pal Caroline shared a close bond together as they worked on the show from 2015
Fans took to their social media accounts to applaud Iain for his tribute to his friend on this evenings episode.
One fan said: “Thought the tribute for @carolineflack1 from @IainDoesJokes was very fitting. Also noticing the much more sombre tone of the show’s voiceovers as well. Well done ITV #BeKind #LoveIsland #SuicideAwareness.”
Another fan explained: “@LoveIsland anyone else just feel really strange watching it now. No music and @IainDoesJokes at the beginning hearing the pain is his voice – it’s just all so heartbreaking @carolineflack1 we miss you.”
Captioning the enchanting moment of his pal, Iain wrote: “Today my friend slow motion walked into heaven. I will miss her always. Thank you for everything.”
The former host of the reality show, 40, was found dead at her North London flat on Saturday after taking her own life.
After the tragedy, ITV made the executive decision to remove Saturday and Sunday night’s episode of Love Island from the schedule.
Officials confirmed that Love Island would return to screens but to pay tribute to Caroline who had been such a huge part of the shows success over a 5 year period.
Kevin Lygo, Director and spokesperson for the broadcasting giant said: “Everyone at ITV is absolutely devastated and still trying to process this tragic news. Caroline was part of Love Island from the very beginning and her passion, dedication and boundless energy contributed to the show’s success.
“After Caroline stepped down from the show ITV made it clear that the door was left open for her to return and the Love Island production team remained in regular contact with her and continued to offer support over the last few months.
“Love Island will return tonight and will include a tribute to Caroline that the team in South Africa and Iain Stirling have put together. Caroline loved Love Island and was very vocal in her support of the show. Viewers could relate to her and she to them and that was a big part of the programme’s success. We will all miss her very much.”
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
