Laura Whitmore is being applauded today, as despite the sad news of Caroline Flack’s passing yesterday she still presented her BBC radio show after hearing the news.
The pair were friends and colleagues and Laura was clearly emotional as she paid tribute to Caroline live on air.
“I wish we were talking under better circumstances and I’d 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. ”
You could hear the emotion in Laura’s voice as she continued;
“At age 40 Caroline Flack made the decision to take her own life and I want to talk about it. I want to talk about it, I want to talk about her and give her the respect that she deserves and that she didn’t always get. Anyone who knew Caroline knew she was vivacious, loving and had a passion for life, which is why none of this makes sense.”
Speaking about how the pair met you could tell they were firm friends;
“I met her just shy of 10 years ago at V Festival and then we became friends. She was bubbly and for such a small stature, commanded a room. She loved to laugh and had the most infectious chuckle.
She also went on to discuss that nobody is perfect and that she wouldn’t sit there and pretend Caroline was, which was brave; “She also had many struggles. I’m not going to pretend that she was perfect, but is anyone?”
After her tribute she played Robbie Williams Angels as Caroline has danced to this whilst on Strictly;
“Caroline loved music, she loved to dance. We shared many a dance floor at gigs, festivals.”
Discussing her decision to go on the air she said;
“I’d like to thank BBC and ITV for the support that I’ve had and those who’ve supported my decision to come in today as I felt it was the right thing to do. Thank you to my boyfriend, the kindest man I know, to the whole Love Island family who are in mourning of their colleague and friends, and have been a great support over the last few hours. I love you.”
Finally Laura left listeners with a strong and evocative message to think about;
“To everyone, be kind in what you say. I’m going to carry on today and get through this show as that’s what Caroline would say to do. Caroline, I’m so sad for you, for your family. I’m angry that 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’ll see you on the dance floor again and I hope you’re at peace and know that you are loved.”
We applaud Laura for her bravery and are in awe of her beautiful tribute to her friend.
