Strictly Come Dancing fans were moved to tears by an emotional tribute to Caroline Flack during a highlights show which aired on Saturday night.
In the lead-up to this year’s Strictly launch, the
BBC has been showing celebrations of past performances in specially-curated highlights show, with Saturday night’s focussing on the best moments from finales gone by.
This included a celebration of former winner Caroline Flack – who died by suicide earlier this year – including tributes from those who knew and worked with her.“For me, Caroline was one of the best, best dancers we’ve ever had come into
Strictly Come Dancing,” professional dancer Janette Manrara recalled. “Whenever she was around you, you couldn’t help but smile.”
Through tears, she continued: “There was just something about Caroline [on the night of the Strictly final]. She was beaming and so for it to just culminate in that one moment…what an amazing moment for her.
“Watching her do that showdance and just how beautiful she looked in white is a memory I’m going to hold really close to my heart forever and ever.”
Caroline’s dance partner Pasha Kovalev agreed: “We saw how she transformed into that beautiful dancer. A dancer with a big heart on her sleeve.”
He added that the moment he and the star won the show “such an incredible experience” that “will always hold a special place in my heart”Long-serving judge Bruno Tonioli said: “I love Caroline, she was such fun. Great to be with, I mean she really was a joy.
“We will always love Caroline and we will never forget her. We love you, my love.”
The show ended with a dedication to Caroline’s memory.Viewers praised the touching tributes on
Social Media, with many revealing that they were crying as they watched:The Caroline Flack tribute on #Strictly has reduced me to tears her story was beautiful and the ending was awful, for it to be aired on Mental Health Day too sends an even stronger message, she is so missed, I hope the story resonates and teaches people to be kinder #MentalHealth— Toyah (@toyahann_) October 10, 2020The Caroline Flack tribute on tonight’s #Strictly was beautiful. She was always my favourite winner. Just awful that she’s no longer with us. A timely reminder that #MentalHealth is precious & we must continue to talk about its importance.— Magical Mr Christopherlees (@XtopherCalvert) October 10, 2020Lovely seeing #Strictly paying tribute to Caroline Flack - she had such a beautiful partnership with Pasha back in 2014. Emotional. Something in my eye 😢 pic.twitter.com/81gWwR4Aw2— Steve Coats-Dennis (@blondsteve) October 10, 2020Beautiful tribute to Caroline Flack from the #Strictly team tonight. Emotional and heart wrenching. pic.twitter.com/VqKE62QU2W— Anne Reed (@AnnieEReed) October 10, 2020Dear @bbcstrictly you couldn’t have finished the specials more perfectly. Dedicating the show to Caroline Flack, in her beautiful white dress. In a world full of uncertainty let’s #bekind to each other. Her happy face filled the screen. I know she’s dancing with angels now♥️ pic.twitter.com/v5juq8cCnA— Julie Anne Cotterill (@SpeedyTyping) October 10, 2020The Caroline Flack tribute on #Strictly was beautiful. She was a phenomenal performer 💔— 🎃Trick or Tweet😏 (@Mr_ChRiSsI_X) October 10, 2020Brilliant tribute to the beautiful and talented Caroline Flack tonight on #StrictlyComeDancing#Strictly. We need to do a lot more to support mental health especially during #COVID__19pic.twitter.com/1aUQG6Eqg0— Dr Marina Soltan (@marinasoltan_) October 10, 2020On #mentalhealthday2020 so sad to be watching Caroline Flack on Strictly 💔 a beautiful woman gone far too soon. We need to #bekindalways especially at the moment. Many are suffering with our mental health #MentalHealth— Angela Wood (@woodsharp) October 10, 2020The bit about Caroline Flack on tonight’s Strictly Best Of destroyed me. My favourite ever contestant anyway. Made me weep every time I watched her Show Dance (which I watch a lot). And then with her passing & it being Mental Health Awareness Day. I’m clapping & sobbing. #bekind— Matthew Parker (@MatthewParker75) October 10, 2020I still can’t believe Caroline Flack has gone, 8 months on and I still can’t get my head around it 💔 I hope she’s found peace wherever she is, mental health is so important, please talk to someone 💚#Strictly#bekind#WorldMentalHealthDaypic.twitter.com/EW7X0rN0mg— тαѕнα (@eds_shirtsleeve) October 10, 2020Absolutely heartbreaking tribute to Caroline Flack on @bbcstrictly tonight. Absolutely balling. What an incredible woman and an amazing performer. Really emotional🤍✨— Niall Morris (@niall_morris98) October 10, 2020Such an emotional wonderful tribute to caroline flack - she will always be remembered and loved for many things she did but to show the world the dancer and performer in her was such a special thing to witness @bbcstrictly#Strictly— Bethan (@BethanSmith19) October 10, 2020After winning Strictly in 2014, Caroline hosted The X Factor alongside Olly Murs, as well as the revival of
Love Island, which went on to become the presenting
Job she was most known for. She died in February, at the age of 40.
Rewatch Caroline and Pasha’s showdance below:Useful websites and helplines
Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393.
Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).
CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58, and a webchat service.
The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email help@themix.org.uk
Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0300 5000 927 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on rethink.org.READ MORE:
Olly Murs Says He 'Hurts Every Day' After Caroline Flack's Death: 'There's A Massive Hole In My Life'
Caroline Flack’s Family Say She Was ‘Seriously Let Down By Authorities’ And ‘Hounded’ By The Press
My Brother Died By Suicide – I Know How Much Words Matter