KRISTINA Rihanoff today opened up about how Caroline Flack was struggling with “demons” behind her smile as she paid tribute to the Love Island star.
The pro-dancer said the 40-year-old had been dealing with “a lot of insecurities” that the public would not have been aware of.
The pair had become close during Flack’s time on Strictly, which saw her win the competition with Pasha Kovalev in 2014.
And speaking today, Kristina said everyone had loved working with the “sweet” star.
Speaking to Good Morning Britain, the dancer said: “She had a lot of insecurities and vulnerabilities not known to the public.”
She added: “We all knew her beautiful smile but behind closed doors, there were a lot of demons.”
Kristina added she was “heartbroken” for Flack’s family that she “couldn’t see a way out”.
The bubbly Love Island host had previously opened up about how she sank into a year-long depression after winning winning Strictly Come Dancing, the biggest show on telly”.
And Kristina said Flack had even missed out on some performances during their tour after the win as she was “battling inner conflicts”.
The showbiz world was left in shock over the weekend after Flack was tragically found dead at her flat in Stoke Newington, North East London.
The Sun on Sunday yesterday told how Caroline had received news on Valentines Day that, despite her appeal,the CPS were ploughing ahead with her case.
A court heard last year that Caroline was accused of hitting Lewis, 27, around the head with a lamp before flipping over a table after officers arrived.
But sheandLewis Burton, 27,had pleaded with authorities for it to be dropped given her vulnerable mental state and the lack of public interest.
And friends sayCarolinehad spent weeks being tormented by the idea that police bodycam footage of the incident, showing her in a state of undress and severely distressed, would be shown in court.
In a statement, her management criticised the CPS.
Francis Ridley, of Money Talent Management, said: The CPS should look at themselves today and how they pursued a show trial that was not only without merit but not in the public interest. And ultimately resulted in significant distress to Caroline.
The CPS extended deepest sympathies to Carolines family and friends.
ITV has made it clear that contrary to some reports they were in constant touch with Caroline and regularly offering her help and support.
