Olly Murs has paid a heartfelt tribute to Caroline Flack on the sixth anniversary of her death, sharing memories of the special moment they first met in Birmingham.
The beloved Love Island host died by suicide in 2020 at the age of 40, leaving a lasting impact on friends and fans alike.
Just after Valentine’s Day, Olly posted a photo of himself with Caroline during a break from filming The X Factor in Birmingham, where they co-hosted together for one series in 2015.
READ MORE: Discover Twycross Zoo’s Magical Lantern Trail This Half Term from Just £14
READ MORE: Paddy McGuinness Sparks Debate Over Sunday Roast as Fans Focus on Gravy
“Six years on, it still feels strange that you’re not here,” Olly wrote alongside the image. “This was the first time we met in Birmingham, 2011, and after just five minutes in a room, we instantly clicked! We walked out laughing and joking around. I truly miss those moments. Thinking of you and your family today.”
Last year, a two-part Disney documentary titled Caroline Flack: Search For The Truth brought new attention to the final months of Caroline’s life. Through voice notes and text messages, viewers learned about the emotional struggles she faced leading up to an assault case that weighed heavily on her.
The documentary featured testimony from Caroline’s mother, Christine, who accused police and prosecutors of pursuing charges against her daughter due to her celebrity status.
Caroline’s death came after she learned that prosecutors intended to move forward with assault charges connected to an incident with her boyfriend, Lewis Burton, in 2019. The incident arose from an argument at her flat.
Coroner Mary Hassell concluded that Caroline took her own life because the pressure of impending prosecution and media scrutiny became unbearable.
The documentary revealed poignant text messages from Caroline in her final days, including one saying, “I don’t see any way out of this,” and another, “I’m having a big panic attack.” In a voice note, she even suggested making a documentary about her experiences.
Christine Flack expressed the heartbreak of losing a child and her desire for justice: “As a parent, we think our children will always be here. I want justice for my daughter.”
In 2023, the Metropolitan Police issued an apology to Caroline’s family for failing to maintain records explaining their decision to charge her. Although the Crown Prosecution Service initially recommended a caution following the incident with Lewis Burton, the police appealed that, resulting in assault charges being filed.
Olly Murs’ tribute serves as a touching reminder of Caroline Flack’s warmth, their friendship, and the tragic circumstances that led to her untimely passing.