Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Road to victory
SYRIAN troops yesterday began clearing rebel barricades on the nation’s main highway between Damascus and Aleppo.
PALS With Phillip Schofield at NTAs in 2013
STUNNED celebrities last night poured out their grief in heartfelt tributes to Caroline Flack as news of her death sent shockwaves through the world of showbiz.
The tragic star’s fellow ITV presenter Phillip Schofield wrote on Instagram: “In a world where you can be anything, be kind. You poor darling girl my heart is breaking #BeKind.”
His This Morning co-presenter Holly Willoughby shared a picture of herself with Caroline on Instagram and wrote: “Utterly heart breaking... life is so precious and yet so fragile.”
Love Island host Laura Whitmore – who replaced Caroline on this year’s series – admitted she was struggling to convey her feelings, writing: “I’m trying to find the words but I can’t.”
And her heartbroken TV pal Keith Lemon wrote on Instagram: “Shocked. I’ve known Caroline all my telly life. I have no words. Love to her family.”
There were more messages from Strictly Come Dancing stars for the former champion. Tess Daly was “absolutely shocked”, Claudia Winkleman sent love to Caroline’s friends and family.
Zoe Ball, host of Strictly spin-off It Takes Two, tweeted: “Devastating news about Caroline. Thoughts with her family and loved ones.”
Caroline, who won Strictly in 2014 with Pasha Kovalev, was the first celebrity to gain perfect 40 scores in all three of her final dances.
Last night judge Bruno Tonioli tweeted: “Just can’t believe it...Always so much fun to be around, such sad news. RIP.”
TV presenters Ant and Dec tweeted: “We are both devastated to hear the news about Caroline Flack. It is beyond sad. Beyond words. So tragic.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with her family. Rest In Peace Caroline.”
One of her close friends, Kelly Osbourne, poured out her feelings on Instagram: “Words are way more powerful than you think... never forget to tell your loved ones that you love them.
“What a special person Caroline was. She lit up every room because she shined so brightly.”
Veteran TV host Eamonn Holmes wondered whether ITV2 would pull the current Love Island series out of respect for the star, who won a Bafta with the show in 2018.
He said: “Dear God. Shocked beyond belief. May she have found peace. Has to be repercussions for Love Island now surely?... Meaning out of Respect, can the series continue?”
Friends say Caroline “lived and breathed” Love Island, which she hosted for the first five series. She kept in touch
FUN IN THE SUN Happy Caroline on beach holiday
DEVOTED With mum Christine, twin Jody, brother Paul and sister Elizabeth
MESSING AROUND With pal Leigh Francis in 2008 with contestants long after shows had finished – another kindness remembered last night.
Amber Gill, last year’s winner, described the star on Instagram as a “friend in a time of need”.
She added: “I will never, ever forget how comfortable and safe you made me feel in one of my lows of 2019.”
Comedian and actor Jack Whitehall took to Twitter to describe the star as “a fun, kind beautiful person” and said it was “so unfair that this has