Disney+ has announced a new documentary about the life of TV presenter Caroline Flack told through the eyes of her mother Christine Flack. Given the working title Caroline, the film will follow Flack’s mother as she tries understand the events in the final months of her daughter’s life, while also celebrating her career.
The documentary will be produced by Curious Films, which made 2021’s Caroline Flack: Her Life And Death, and will be released later this year on the Disney streaming service. Speaking ahead of the documentary, Christine Flack said: “I still have so many questions about what happened to Caroline in her final months, and it’s something I feel deeply compelled to explore, even though I know it will be challenging.
“I’m pleased to be working with the team at Curious Films once again, in the hope of bringing clarity and understanding to Carrie’s story – not just for her, but for everyone who cared about her.” Flack, who was born in London and grew up in Norfolk, took her own life in February 2020 at the age of 40, after learning that prosecutors were going to press ahead with an assault charge, following an incident with her boyfriend, Lewis Burton, in December 2019.
Flack, who was born in London and grew up in Norfolk, took her own life in February 2020 at the age of 40 after learning that prosecutors were going to press ahead with an assault charge, following an incident with her boyfriend, Lewis Burton, in December 2019.
Back in December, a Strictly Come Dancing 20th anniversary special paid tribute to stars including Caroline Flack and Sir Bruce Forsyth. The show, which aired on Saturday evening, saw celebrity competitors from the BBC One show reunited with their professional dance partners.
You don’t have to suffer in silence if you’re struggling with your mental health. Here are some groups you can contact when you need help.
Samaritans: Phone 116 123, 24 hours a day, or email jo@samaritans.org in confidence
Childline: Phone 0800 1111. Calls are free and won’t show up on your bill
PAPYRUS: For teens and young adults. Phone 0800 068 4141
Depression Alliance: The charity offers useful resources for people struggling.
Students Against Depression: For students who are depressed, have low mood, or are suicidal.
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): Phone 0800 58 58 58. For young men who are feeling unhappy.
James’ Place: Offering life-saving treatment to suicidal men in London and surrounding area.
For information on your local NHS urgent mental health helpline, visit here
There was also a section paying homage to the famous faces who had died since performing, judging or hosting on the show. Introducing the segment, Strictly co-host Claudia Winkleman said: “On the year it marks our 20th anniversary, we would like to remember the stars of the ballroom that we have dearly loved and lost.”
Remembering former Love Island host Flack, who was found dead in February 2020 at the age of 40, was professional dance Aljaz Skorjanec, who said: “Caroline Flack – one of the most beautiful (souls) inside and out, I’ve ever met.”
(Image: PA)
Former professional and Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two co-host Janette Manrara added: “Doing Strictly was one of the best things that ever happened to her. I miss her a lot.” Flack won the competition alongside professional dancer Pasha Kovalev in 2014.
Last year, a new suicide prevention bench in honour of Flack will give “more power” to those struggling with thoughts about taking their own life, according to former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Micky Hazard. The 64-year-old ex-footballer is an ambassador for Legend On The Bench, set up by his sister Michelle after her son Jay died of suicide at the age of 23.
The charity installs the illuminated benches across the UK with QR codes and messages offering help to those in need. The latest bench, located in London, will pay tribute to the former Strictly Come Dancing winner, who Hazard described as having been “a lovely person”.
He said: “Caroline Flack, (she’s) such a star, such a lovely person, so loved by so many people who knew her and through the various TV roles that she’s held. It’s very fitting, her mum’s going to be present (at the bench’s unveiling), she’s going to do a bit, it’s going to be very poignant.
“For us as a suicide prevention charity, it gives the message so much more power. It’s a powerful message we send, that someone’s always listening and please talk, because by talking we could save your life.
“So we feel like (calling it) the Caroline Flack bench gives it so much more power, and so many more people will listen, and we’ll save more lives.”
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