Joel Dommett pays tribute to Caroline Flack at mental health charity gig

Joel Dommett has paid tribute to his friend Caroline Flack following her death by suicide at the age of 40.

The comedian addressed Flack's death as he performed at a fundraising gig for mental health charity Calm (Campaign Against Living Miserably).

While on stage at Comedy Against Living Miserably, he shared: "It’s so f***ing sad man, and I really didn’t want to come into work today but I knew it would be hypocritical of me to not come in to a gig called Comedy Against Living Miserably because I was f***ing miserable.”

Read more: Amanda Holden shares 'anger' over Caroline Flack being 'thrown to the dogs'

He added: “I just wanted to talk about it with you because I didn’t want to do a gig about mental health without addressing what I think in our industry is the maddest thing to happen in a f***ing long time, it’s so sad.”

The Masked Singer presenter also stated that he had contacted Flack in December after she was charged with assault by beating to see if she "was okay", leading to the pair exchanging a few messages.

He also told of how they would bump into one another and "hang out and have espresso martinis" when they did.

Dommett shared that he had contacted Flack on Thursday but that he had not received a reply.

“But it’s not about me and that’s the point, I don’t want to make it about me, saying ‘I messaged her on Thursday’, I just feel like we should all be nicer to each other, we are all accountable and I think that is the problem," he added.

Dommett had previously paid tribute on his Instagram, posting a picture of the pair of them laughing together.

He captioned the picture: "It’s so sad. I’m so sad...I always loved hanging out. You made so many people happy. I wish you could see all the love on social media for you now.. I hate that it’s too late. XX."

Flack was found dead at her London home on Saturday after taking her own life. Her life said in a statement: "We can confirm that our Caroline passed away today, the 15th of February.

“We would ask that the press respect the privacy of the family at this difficult time and we would ask they make no attempt to contact us and/or photograph us.”

For confidential emotional support at times of distress, contact The Samaritans at any time by calling 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org.

With reporting by PA.