The girlfriend of Jack Saunders, 25, the Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist who took his own life last weekend, has spoken out for the first time since his death.
In a poignant Facebook message, which shared the front page of the Daily Mirror, Frankie Hurst wrote: ‘As much as this truly breaks my heart, there is such an important message within this article.
‘The signs are not always obvious and so we have have to talk about this and encourage men especially to speak up.
The girlfriend (left) of the Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Jack Saunders, 25, (right) who took his own life has spoken out in a poignant Facebook message
‘THIS HAS TO STOP. LETS TALK ABOUT IT.’
Ms Hurst also ran a special dance class that she dedicated to Mr Saunders this week, and donated all of the proceeds to mental health charity, Calm.
In a Facebook message written the day after his death she wrote: ‘I still cannot get my head around all of this but yesterday heaven gained the most special angel, my soul mate, my best friend, my right arm.
In a Facebook message written the day after his death Frankie Hurst wrote: ‘I still cannot get my head around all of this but yesterday heaven gained the most special angel, my soul mate, my best friend, my right arm
Ms Hurst said: ‘The signs are not always obvious and so we have have to talk about this and encourage men especially to speak up’
‘I can’t even find the words to begin but no one ever showed me as much love as you did, every single day and I’m eternally grateful for you. I’m so lucky to have experienced the love that we have and I’ll forever carry that in my heart.’
Mr Saunders’ family will be hosting a memorial with Ms Hurst on Sunday at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford from 2pm, with a minute’s silence at 4pm.
The Britain’s Got Talent contestant had been due to feature on next month’s show.
Jack Saunders, 25, was part of a five-man dance troupe, Green Force Five, that made it through to the semi-finals of the new series.
But before the live-shows could start later this year, the tragic dancer was reported to have taken his life in the early hours of Sunday morning, according to The Mirror.
Jack Saunders (pictured with Cheryl Cole), 25, was part of a five-man dance troupe, Green Force Five, that made it through to the semi-finals of the new series.
Mr Saunders already had a successful dancing career, prior to his audition on Britain’s Got Talent. He had traveled to countries including Las Vegas, India and Barcelona to perform
At just 18-years-of-age, Mr Saunders (pictured with his girlfriend Frankie Hurst) was the youngest paid dancer to perform at the London Olympics ceremony, before also that year reaching the Got to Dance finals with Unity UK
The news has left family and staff on the show devastated, with bosses now deciding whether to air the audition or scrap it entirely.
Jack’s mother, Sandra, 53, paid a moving tribute to the promising young dancer from the family home in Uxbridge, west London.
She told The Mirror: ‘We don’t know why he did it, he didn’t leave a note. He did not have depression.
‘Suicide can happen to anyone at any time. People can’t believe Jack is gone. We are the same.
‘I want people to know that this can happen to any family. There is no stereotype – it doesn’t have to be a manic depressive who has shown signs of mental health problems.’
Jack’s mother, Sandra, 53, paid a moving tribute to the promising young dancer from the family home in Uxbridge, west London (Mr Saunders is pictured with Niall Horan)
His mother described him as ‘a kind soul’, saying he was ‘always focused on others to make sure they were OK’ (Mr Saunders is pictured)
Jack already had a successful dancing career, prior to his audition on Britain’s Got Talent. He had traveled to countries including Las Vegas, India and Barcelona to perform.
And at just 18-years-of-age was the youngest paid dancer to perform at the London Olympics ceremony, before also that year reaching the Got to Dance finals with Unity UK.
His mother described him as ‘a kind soul’, saying he was ‘always focused on others to make sure they were OK’.
His sister, Kayla Williams, 28, said: ‘Suicide awareness is getting better but there is still a bit of a stigma, but it can happen to anyone.
‘The message we want to share about Jack’s death is how important it is to talk to people, and tell people how great they are.
A spokesman for Britain’s Got Talent said: ‘Our thoughts and condolences are with Jack’s family and friends during this difficult and devastating time.’
Love Island star Mike Thalassitis (pictured left and right) was found dead in the woods near his hometown in London on Friday morning
News of his death comes soon after it was revealed that Love Island contestant Mike Thalassitis had taken his own life, found hanged in a park by his childhood home aged 26.
It had been suggested that Mike was at the time struggling to come to terms with the death of his grandmother and had recently been dealing with debt.
The reality TV star had moved in with the 94-year-old after her deteriorating health meant she needed a full time carer.
And soon after news of his death emerged, former Love Island contestant Montana Brown said that Thalassitis had been ‘in a dark place’ recently, wishing she had done more to help.
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article then you can call the Samaritans on 116 123, alternatively you can visit the website at by clicking here.