Laura Whitmore has paid tribute to close friend Caroline Flack, admitting that she was left 'frightened' after the presenter committed suicide in February.
Love Island host Flack, 40, was awaiting trial for alleged assault of her boyfriend Lewis Burton - claims he continues to deny - when she decided to take her own life at her flat in East London.
Whitmore was presenting the winter edition of the ITV2 reality show in Flack's stead at the time of the incident and admits that what happened is still confusing for her.
Speaking to the June issue of Cosmopolitan, Whitmore said: "It'll never be ok and it'll never be right. It did scare me. She was so strong-willed and feisty and I remember thinking, 'God, I wish I could be as strong as her.'
"I felt like if people said things, it wouldn't bother her. But obviously it did, because everyone is human. I don't want to speculate reasons because nobody will ever know... but it did frighten me.
"Anyone who knew Caroline knew she was vivacious, loving and had a passion for life, which is why none of this makes sense.
"Caroline loved music, she loved to dance. We shared many a dancefloor; gigs, festivals. I met her just shy of 10 years ago at V Festival and then we became friends.
"She was bubbly and for such a small stature, commanded a room. She loved to laugh and had the most infectious chuckle."
As well as her role on ratings hit Love Island, Flack was also known for hosting The X Factor, The Games and appearing on Strictly Come Dancing.
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