Remembering Caroline Flack: Laura Whitmore Shares Heartbreaking Final Messages on the Fifth Anniversary of Her Death

On February 15, 2023, the world marked five years since the tragic death of Caroline Flack, the beloved British television presenter who took her own life at the age of 40. To commemorate this solemn anniversary, Laura Whitmore, a close friend and fellow TV personality, shared a deeply personal and emotional tribute to Flack on Instagram. Whitmore revealed the last text messages exchanged between the two, offering a poignant glimpse into their friendship and the emotional connection they shared.

In the messages, Whitmore informed Flack that she had been offered the role of hosting Love Island, a position Flack had previously held from 2015 to 2019. Flack responded with warmth and support, calling the news "perfect" and sending a series of love hearts. Whitmore, who went on to host the show in 2020, described the discovery of these old messages as a bittersweet reminder of their bond. She explained that while transferring data to a new phone, she uncovered messages she thought were lost, which brought back a flood of emotions.

Whitmore reflected on the media’s portrayal of Flack in the months leading up to her death, expressing her frustration with how the narrative was often distorted. She emphasized that the private messages she shared were a testament to Flack’s kindness and the supportive nature of their friendship. "I think they show a side to Caroline which is nice to remember," Whitmore wrote, adding that she hoped to celebrate Flack’s legacy rather than dwell on the pain of her loss.

The two women’s friendship began when Whitmore took over hosting duties for I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! NOW!, a role Flack had previously held. Whitmore recalled how Flack was incredibly supportive during that transition, just as she was when Whitmore later stepped into the Love Island role. Both shows, Whitmore noted, were massive productions that relied on the hard work of hundreds of people, and Flack’s encouragement had meant the world to her.

Whitmore also addressed the broader issue of how women in the public eye are treated, particularly in the wake of Flack’s death. She expressed sadness over the divisiveness she still sees in the media and on social platforms, urging people to learn from the way Flack was treated. "I’m sad when I see the press and social media be so divisive and that we still haven’t learned from Caroline’s treatment before her death," she wrote. Whitmore made it clear that she has chosen to focus on the positive memories of her friend, saying, "I’d like to think wherever she is now, she’s at peace and somewhere lovely."

Flack’s legacy continues to be celebrated by her family, friends, and fans. Her mother, Christine Flack, has been an advocate for suicide prevention, unveiling a bench in north London in her daughter’s honor. Additionally, a Disney+ documentary is set to explore Flack’s life, career, and the events leading up to her death, offering a deeper understanding of her final months. For those struggling with mental health, organizations like Samaritans (116 123 in the UK) remain a vital resource for support. As Whitmore so eloquently put it, Caroline Flack’s memory serves as a reminder of the importance of kindness, compassion, and the need to protect the mental health of those in the spotlight.