Caroline Flack's best friend Lou Teasdale has shared the last picture she took with the Love Island host after she tragically died on Saturday.
The star took her life aged 40 in her London flat on the day after Valentine's Day, just three weeks before her upcoming trial for alleged assault.
It is understood that celebrity hairstylist Lou spent Valentine's night with Caroline before leaving her flat on Saturday morning after the host "insisted she was fine".
“Caroline had been unwell on Friday but by the time [ambulance] crews got there she was feeling much better and was coherent and responsive to them. She refused to go to hospital," a source told The Sun.
“Caroline was with Lou and other friends and so everyone was satisfied she would be OK.
“Lou then stayed overnight. She was absolutely brilliant with her. On Saturday morning Caroline insisted she was fine and persuaded her friend to go home."
The source added to the publication that Lou "couldn’t have done any more" and that she is "understandably distraught".
Taking to social media as she grieved for her friend, Lou shared a number of snaps taken over their decade-long friendship on Monday morning.
The blonde penned a heart-wrenching caption where she wished that her "beautiful friend" was at "peace".
She wrote next to the images: "Here’s us like 5 days ago really happy lolling telling eachother we’re really fit AND funny and 5 years ago, and 10 years ago. I love you. I hope you are at peace now. Til the end my beautiful friend, Caroline x"
Caroline was due back in court on March 4 after she pleaded not guilty to assault by beating following an alleged early-morning altercation with her boyfriend Lewis Burton at her flat in mid-December.
Lewis had begged authorities to drop the court case and pleaded she was innocent.
Since her death, it emerged Caroline wasn't taken to hospital when she was given a clinical assessment by paramedics at her flat on Valentine's Day.
In less than 24 hours, the Strictly Come Dancing winner had killed herself.
London Ambulance Service spokesperson confirmed: "Crews attended and, following a clinical assessment, the person was not taken to hospital. Due to patient confidentiality we cannot comment further."
Broadcast and talent agent Louisa McDonald released a statement criticising the CPS' decision to pursue the high-profile case despite Caroline's "vulnerable" state.
McDonald wrote: "We are devastated at the loss of our client and friend Caroline Flack.
"An immensely talented young woman who was at the top of her game professionally and loved by television viewers across the country.
"In recent months Caroline had been under huge pressure because of an ongoing case and potential trial which has been well reported.
"The Crown Prosecution Service pursued this when they knew not only how very vulnerable Caroline was but also that the alleged victim did not support the prosecution and had disputed the CPS version of events.
"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. Our thoughts are with Caroline’s family at this time. Francis Ridley, Money Talent Management."
* Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org
