The friends of late Love Island host Caroline Flack threw a poignant celebration of her life yesterday, in the most fitting way for the fun-loving star: with a festival.
Two years after Caroline took her own life, pals including Paddy McGuinness, Louise Redknapp and Natalie Imbruglia teamed up for Flackstock to raise funds for mental health charities.
Jodie – Caroline’s twin sister – believes the Be Kind mantra that flooded social media after her death in February 2020 has resonated with a lot of people, even if some online trolls still bombard Love Islanders with nasty messages.
The presenter, who had been accused of striking boyfriend Lewis Burton, struggled reading foul comments as her assault trial loomed.
“In my world, it’s changed,” Jodie said. “Caroline would have been amazed by everyone who has helped and supported us.”
Caroline’s friend Dawn O’Porter added at the event at Berkshire’s Englefield House: “I hope there is a ripple of kindness to happen after this – we have all as a world been through so much that hopefully we can come out the other side and not be a***holes.”
Strictly Come Dancing ’s Aljaz Skorjanec and Janette Manrara – who gave dance lessons together at the event – said dancing was good for the soul, and made Caroline happy during her 2014 stint on the show.
“Strictly celebrates the joy of dancing,” said Aljaz. “Caroline loved the show - if you speak to her family, Caroline she said it was the best thing she ever did in her life.
“It’s the dancing and the feel-good aspect that makes people feel good. More dancing needed in Love Island.”
