The sad news of Caroline Flack’s death just over a week ago has left the TV world reeling. There has been an outpouring of love for the presenter on social media since her death, with fans and those who knew her paying tribute and urging others to be kinder – especially in the way in which they talk about celebrities online.
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Now, Bernadette Battom, who attended Bodyworks Theatre School in Cambridge with Caroline in the late nineties has spoken about how she was ‘so full of happiness, energy and drive’ when they shared a student house with three other performing arts students over twenty years ago.
Sharing a photo of herself and Caroline as teenagers, Bernadette told The Mirror:
‘She was a bundle of confidence and always got picked for everything. We were working so hard we were coming home exhausted, so we didn’t go out loads or party. Caroline knew where she wanted to go and she was focused on that. She wasn’t the tidiest housemate but she was very popular. People were drawn to her.’
Bernadette’s words are in keeping with what others who worked with Caroline later in her career have said. Singer Rita Ora described her as ‘a true light to everyone [she] met’ whilst former X Factor co-presenter Olly Murs said that they ‘never stopped laughing’ when they were together.
As well as prompting a social media campaign for us all to be kinder to one another and when speaking about celebrities online, a petition for a new ‘Caroline’s law’ imposing stricter regulations on the press’s reporting on celebrities’ private lives has also been launched, garnering thousands of signatures.
If you are experiencing emotional distress, you can call Samaritans free any time on 116 123 (this number will not appear on your phone bill), send an email to jo@samaritans.org or visit your local branch for support.
