Tearful Laura Whitmore describes Caroline Flacks struggles in emotional tribute & says be kind after stars death

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LAURA Whitmore tearfully described Caroline Flack’s “struggles” as she paid tribute to the “vivacious” star on BBC Radio 5 this morning.

The presenter, who took over from Caroline for Love Island’s winter edition, told listeners to “be kind” after her suicide.

Laura Whitmore and Caroline Flack have been friends for ten years – with Laura paying an emotional tribute to her today

Caroline had recently stepped down as the host of Love Island, with Laura taking over

Ex-Strictly winnerCaroline, 40, died at her new flat in East London, where her body was discovered yesterday morning.

Her boyfriend, Lewis, today posted an emotional statement hours after her manager slammed the CPS for pursuing a “show trial”and banning the couple from making contact.

Today, voice cracking, Laura said: “I wish we were talking under better circumstances and I’ve been debating whether I should, would, or could come on air today.

“But this isn’t about me. Yesterday we lost someone before their time.

“At age 40 Caroline Flack made the decision to take her own life and I want to talk about it.

“Anyone who knew Caroline knew she was vivacious, loving and had a passion for life – which is why none of this makes sense.

“She was bubbly and for such a small stature, commanded a room. She loved to laugh and had the most infections chuckle, she also had many struggles.

“I’m not going to pretend she was perfect, but was anyone?”

Police and paramedics rushed to Carolines flat yesterday, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her death is being treated as non-suspicious, with a post-mortem scheduled and an inquest set to open this week.

Carolines family parents Christine and Ian, brother Paul and sisters Elizabeth and Jody confirmed she had died.

An audibly emotional Laura added: “Caroline loved to love. That’s all she wanted.

“Which is why a show like Love Island was important to her because it’s a show about love, friendship, having a laugh.

“The problem wasn’t the show – the show to work on is loving and caring and safe and protected. The problem is the outside world is not.

“I’ve seen journalists and Twitter warriors talk of this tragedy and who they themselves twist what the truth is.

“You don’t have to tear down someone to feel good about yourself.

“So to listeners. Be kind. Only you are responsible for how you treat others and what you put out in the world.

The shock death came less than three weeks before she was due to face trial on charges of assault by beating.

Sources have previously told The Sun on Sunday thatCaroline hoped the case would not go ahead because Lewis had stood by her and did not want to press charges.

‘BE KIND’

Caroline was said to have been determined to prove her innocence when the case eventually went to crown court, scheduled for March 4.

But she was also tormented by strict bail conditions which prevented her from contacting Lewis until after the trial.

The emotional radio host ended her tribute with a message to listeners and Caroline, before playing Robbie Williams’ Angels in honour of one of her Strictly performances.

She said: “To everyone, be kind in what you say.

“Caroline, I’m so sad for you, for your family, I’m angry you saw this as your only option, as I know how much love and support you had I’m sorry you didn’t know that.

“I’m not sure when but I know I will see you on a dancefloor again, but I hope that you are at peace and know that you loved.”

Her managers said in a statement: “We are devastated at the loss of our client and friend Caroline Flack.

“An immensely talented young woman who was at the top of her game professionally and loved by television viewers across the country.

“In recent months Caroline had been under huge pressure because of an ongoing case and potential trial which has been well reported.

“The Crown Prosecution Service pursued this when they knew not only how very vulnerable Caroline was but also that the alleged victim did not support the prosecution and had disputed the CPS version of events.

“The CPS should look at themselves today and how they pursued a show trial that was not only without merit but not in the public interest.

“And ultimately resulted in significant distress to Caroline. Our thoughts are with Caroline’s family at this time.”

Her shock death sparked a torrent of tweets from stunned pals and celebrities.

Laura and Caroline posing happily at an event

Caroline Flack’s boyfriend posted a picture of the pair with an emotional message

He had posted a Valentine’s Day message to her on Friday

Tributes have poured out for the beloved ex-Strictly Come Dancing winner

Police and paramedics rushed to Carolines flat yesterday, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The TV presenter took her own life and was tragically found dead yesterday

She took her life hours after being told the CPS were pursuing her assault charge