Advertisement

Olly Murs says he'll 'never forget' the moment he heard about Caroline Flack's death

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - OCTOBER 29: Olly Murs & Caroline Flack seen arriving for the Pride of Britain awards on October 29, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Simon James/FilmMagic)
Olly Murs and Caroline Flack at the Pride of Britain awards in 2012. (Simon James/FilmMagic)

Olly Murs has opened up about the moment he heard of his friend Caroline Flack’s death, saying he’s “still in shock”.

The pair hosted The X Factor and spin-off show The Xtra Factor together.

The pop star was on holiday with his girlfriend Amelia at the time and said that he received a phone call from his manager at 2.23am.

“I heard the news when I was away on holiday,” Murs told The Sun. “My phone went at 2.23am and I’ll never forget it.

“My manager told me and I just stared at my phone for hours, I didn’t know what to do.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 21:  Caroline Flack and Olly Murs attend the launch of Caroline Flack's new autobiography "Storm In A C Cup" at Library on October 21, 2015 in London, England.  (Photo by Mike Marsland/WireImage)
Caroline Flack and Olly Murs had been good friends for years. (Mike Marsland/WireImage)

“I just didn’t want to believe it. I was numb to any feelings and then I just broke down.”

He added: “Since then I just have constant waves of emotions — one minute I’m OK, the next I’m so sad for her.

Read more: Dawn O Porter urges friends to stop sharing Flack messages online

“It’s hard, I’ll always miss Caz a lot.”

February 15th 2020 - Caroline Flack - English television presenter dies by suicide at age 40. - File Photo by: zz/KGC-246/STAR MAX/IPx 2015 5/10/15 Olly Murs and Caroline Flack host open auditions for "The X Factor". (Manchester, England, UK)
Olly Murs and Caroline Flack hosting open auditions for The X Factor. (zz/KGC-246/STAR MAX/IPx)
 British TV Presenter Caroline Flack aged 40 was found dead today at her home. She had appeared as a host of several popular Television shows the most recent being Love Island for which she received a BAFTA TV Award at The Beauty Awards 2019 - VIP Pink Carpet at City Central at the HAC, Chiswell. (Photo by Keith Mayhew / SOPA Images/Sipa USA)
Caroline Flack (Keith Mayhew/SOPA Images/Sipa USA)

Flack died by suicide on 15 February.

Murs is one of a wave of famous faces who have urged kindness from the public and media following the Love Island presenter’s death.

Danny Cipriani dated Flack, and his Gloucester teammates paid tribute to Flack during their recent Gallagher Premiership Rugby match against Sale.

The team ran out with the words “Be Kind” printed across the back of their shirts as part of the club’s campaign to raise mental health awareness in partnership with the Samaritans.

Their message referred to a social media post where Flack had told fans: “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”

Cipriani said ahead of the match: “Caroline was one of the most caring, genuine people I ever met.

Read more: Leigh Francis slates fake Flack T-shirt sales

“She endured unimaginable criticism during her years in the public eye but through it all, she just wanted people to show a little kindness to each other. And that’s a message that should be her legacy – be kind.”

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