Singer Olly Murs has paid a special tribute to TV presenter Caroline Flack, who took her own life five years ago, at the age of 40. TV presenter Caroline Flack was found dead at her home in Stoke Newington, north-east London, on February 15, 2020.
Flack was best known for presenting ITV’s Love Island and co-hosted The Xtra Factor alongside Olly, who she was close friends with. In a tribute to his “missed” friend, Murs, 41, best known for his number one hit songs Heart Skips A Beat, Dance With Me Tonight and Troublemaker, dedicated a song to Flack during his Radio 2 in the Park set.
As Olly introduced the song Dear Darlin’ on Sunday at the Chelmsford music festival, he said: “This next song is one of the hardest songs for me to sing.
“Five years ago, I lost a really important person in my life, Miss Caroline Flack. She took her own life five years ago, someone I miss every day, someone that I wish was here today to be in this moment.
“When I wrote this song, I didn’t realise the impact it would have, not just on my life but the people around me and particularly some of my fans that are here tonight.
“So if there’s someone that you wish was here today, someone that you miss very, very much, I’d love you guys to help me sing this song.”
Murs performed on the Main Stage three days after his second child was born and took a moment to apologise to his wife Amelia Murs as he looked into the camera and said: “Wife, I am so sorry I am here at Hylands Park with all these beautiful people.
“I love you and when I’m finished I’ll be straight home, I promise.”
Prior to Murs’ set American singer-songwriter Anastacia performed her top hits including I’m Outta Love and Sick And Tired, and was joined on stage by TV host Rylan Clark to sing Left Outside Alone.
Murs worked alongside Flack on The X Factor spin-off The Xtra Factor in 2011 and 2012. He also took part in the Climb for Caroline campaign in June 2021, led by the charity Samaritans, where friends and family of Flack attempted to climb 24 peaks over 24 hours to raise money.
Mental health support
Helplines and support groups
The NHS Choices website lists the following helplines and support networks for people to talk to.
- Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at [email protected].
- Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
- Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity based in England providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
- Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
- Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
- Young Persons Advisory Service provides mental health and emotional wellbeing services for Liverpool’s children, young people and families. tel: 0151 707 1025 email: [email protected]
- British Red Cross offers a free and confidential coronavirus support line on 0808 196 3651 which offers callers the opportunity to speak to a friendly volunteer for a chat if they are lonely, worried or need practical support, 7 days a week from 10am to 6pm, or email [email protected]
Elsewhere, the Jade L Roberts Project supports women and men in suicidal crisis in Merseyside. They also offer support for people suffering from mental health issues. You can contact them on 0151 245 5671.
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