STRICTLY Come Dancing viewers were in tears tonight as the show paid tribute to Caroline Flack in its festive countdown.
One emotional fan tweeted after watching the late star on screen: “I don’t think I will ever not cry when I see Caroline dance”.
The episode aired the 25 most memorable dances, as voted for by the public, with hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman joined by the judges, pros and some of the celebrity participants.
But the most iconic moments were undoubtedly when Caroline took to the dance floor for her trophy-winning performances with professional partner Pasha Kovalev.
In 2014, she and Pasha won the twelfth series of Strictly, performing a Cha-Cha to Can You Feel It by The Jacksons and a showdance to Angels by Beverley Knight.
Former Strictly winner and judge Alesha Dixon, who made a special appearance on the show nine years after leaving for Britain’s Got Talent, commented on Caroline’s stunning final showdance.
She said: “What was so beautiful about Caroline and Pasha’s showdance is she was her authentic self within the dance, you could see her heart, you could see her passion.”
Craig added. “It shows Caroline at her very best.
“Beautiful technique, beautiful emotion and beautifully danced.”
Seeing her back on screen, one viewer wrote on Twitter: “Sad to watch Caroline Flack dancing like a professional. What a real waste. What a sad world.”
Another wrote: “Watching Caroline Flack dance to angels on the strictly Christmas special was heartbreaking ”
And one more said: “Caroline Flack was such a stunning dancer, and this is a reminder of how fantastic she really was. RIP Caroline, you are not forgotten and are still loved #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing”
Caroline, 40, took her own life at her London home weeks before facing an assault trial.
She was accused of attacking her boyfriend Lewis Burton who wanted to drop the charges.
The CPS told Caroline they were pursuing the case the day before she died. She strongly denied the charge.
Her mum Chris shared an unpublished Instagram post Caroline wrote but was advised not to share.
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
It read: “I can’t spend every day hidden away being told not to say or speak to anyone.
“I’m not thinking about ‘how I’m going to get my career back.’ I’m thinking about how I’m going to get mine and my family’s life back.”
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123
THIS Christmas we are teaming up with the Together Campaign, a coalition of community groups and organisations, and Royal Voluntary Service to combat loneliness.
And we want to recruit an army of volunteers to support those feeling cut off, anxious and isolated, this Christmas.
Could YOU reach out to someone who might be struggling and alone?
It might be someone you know in your own life or community who needs support.
Or we can connect you with someone in need through the NHS Volunteer responder programme run by the NHS, Royal Voluntary Service and the GoodSAM app.
Could you give up half an hour to make a call and chat with someone feeling isolated? Or could you volunteer to deliver essential shopping or festive treats?
Go to nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk/christmastogether to sign up as a volunteer.
You will then receive an email taking you through the sign up process and be asked to download the responder app which will match you to those in need in your area.
Don’t worry if you don’t get a job straight away, because jobs are matched according to the need local to you. Being ready to help is what really matters.
