BGT’s Jack Saunders’ girlfriend urges men to ‘speak up’ in emotional tribute

Jack Saunders

by Daisy Jordan |
Updated on

Britain's Got Talent contestant Jack Saunders' girlfriend has urged men to 'speak up' about their mental health problems - after the dancer took his own life.

In a heartbreaking tribute to the 25-year-old, whose dance troupe made the show's live semi final, Frankie wrote on Facebook, "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.

"THIS HAS TO STOP. LETS TALK ABOUT IT. #flyhigh #sexybeast #MrAndMrsSexyBeast ."

The day after his death, Frankie posted: "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.

"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.

"The kindest, most considerate person who is loved by soooo many people, and I just wish you realised how many people you have impacted on. You're going to missed so much Jack. So so much."

Despite the trauma, Frankie led a special dance class dedicated to Jack at Studio 68 in east London this weekend - with proceeds going to mental health charity Calm.

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Jack's group Green Force Five wowed the BGT judges, who all agreed they needed to progress to the semi finals. However, it is unclear whether the remaining troupe members will perform.

His mum Sandra, 53, told the Mirror, “We don’t know why he did it, he didn’t leave a note. He did not have depression.

"He went to the GP before Christmas because he was feeling tired and they never spotted any problems.

"It’s just shocked everyone because to other people Jack had it all. Jack achieved more than many people could dream of achieving. He knew we loved him.

“I think he was a Lost Boy. He must have felt just like a lost boy bless him."

A talented dancer, Jack took part in the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony aged 18.

He also appeared on the X Factor and Sky's Got to Dance, where he reached the finals in 2012.

GALLERY: Celebrities we've lost in 2019

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Celebrity Deaths 2019 - DON'T USE

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Annalise Braakensiek, 46

Former Play Your Cards Right model Annalise Braakensiek, who worked with TV legend Bruce Forsythe on the show, was found dead in her new house in January 2019. "Everything seems to feel twisted and upside down at the moment," she wrote on social media, shortly before her death. "Life's challenges have been deep, dark, difficult, demanding and down right scary lately."

Martha Ross2 of 11
CREDIT: Twitter

Martha Ross, 79

Jonathan Ross paid tribute to his mum Martha in January 2019 after she died aged 79, She played a stall-holder at Bridge Street Market in EastEnders.

Celebrity Deaths 20193 of 11

Karl Lagerfeld, 85

Fashion powerhouse and Creative Director of Chanel since 1983 and Fendi since 1965, Karl died in Paris in February following a brief period of ill health, continuing to work right up until his death.One of the most prolific and controversial figures in fashion, tributes have poured in for Karl following the tragic news. "Fashion show after fashion show, collection after collection, Karl Lagerfeld left his mark on the legend of Gabrielle Chanel and the history of the House of Chanel," Bruno Pavlovsky, president of fashion at Chanel, said today. "He steadfastly promoted the talent and expertise of Chanel's ateliers and Métiers d'Art, allowing this exceptional know-how to shine throughout the world. The greatest tribute we can pay today is to continue to follow the path he traced by – to quote Karl – 'continuing to embrace the present and invent the future'."

Peter Tork, 774 of 11

Peter Tork, 77

The bassist of 70's pop group the Monkees passed away peacefully at his home in February, aged 77. A statement from his family on his facebook page said,"Peter succumbed to a 10 year bout with adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare cancer of the salivary glands. Peter's energy, intelligence, silliness, and curiosity were traits that for decades brought laughter and enjoyment to millions, including those of us closest to him. Those traits also equipped him well to take on cancer, a condition he met with unwavering humor and courage.

Albert Finney, 825 of 11
CREDIT: Getty archive

Albert Finney, 82

Legendary actor Albert Finney, who played Daddy Warbucks in Annie, died in February after "a short illness",

Mark Hollis, 646 of 11
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Mark Hollis, 64

Founder and front-man of 80's synthpop band Mark Hollis died age 64 in February from unspecified causes, with tributes to musician pouring in on Twitter."RIP Mark Hollis. Cousin-in-law," wrote Anthony Costelloe. "Wonderful husband and father. Fascinating and principled man. Retired from the music business 20 years ago but an indefinable musical icon."And a former band mate said, "Musically he was a genius and it was a honour and a privilege to have been in a band with him."I have not seen Mark for many years, but like many musicians of our generation I have been profoundly influenced by his trailblazing musical ideas."

Lisa Sheridan, 447 of 11
CREDIT: Getty

Lisa Sheridan, 44

Actress Lisa Sheridan, best known for her roles in CSI: Miami and other US TV series', was found dead in her home aged just 44 in February.

Janice Freeman, 338 of 11
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Janice Freeman, 33

Janice Freeman, of The Voice fame, has died in March age 33. Her cause of death is thought to be a fatal blood caught caused by an extreme case of pneumonia. "A survivor and fighter, and a beautiful force in this world, Janice gained notoriety through her success on NBC's 'The Voice' as a member of Miley Cyrus' team," a statement said. "Her story inspired fans nationwide, having successfully battled cervical cancer and living her life to the fullest while fighting lupus."

Luke Perry, 529 of 11
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Luke Perry, 52

Actor Luke Perry, who starred in Beverly Hills 90210 and Netflix hit Riverdale, has died from a stroke age 52 in March.

Keith Flint, 4910 of 11
CREDIT: Getty

Keith Flint, 49

Tributes from across the world of music and dance have poured in for The Prodigy frontman Keith Flint, after he was found dead in his Essex property on Monday 4th March. The death is not being treated as suspicious.

Mike Thalassitis11 of 11
CREDIT: ITV

Mike Thalassitis, 26

Love Island 2017 cast member Mike Thalassitis was found dead in woodland near his home in Essex in March 2017.

A BGT spokesperson said, “Our thoughts and condolences are with Jack’s family and friends during this difficult and devastating time.”

A memorial event for Jack will be taking place in Stratford today.

Jack's suicide last Sunday happened just a day after Love Island star Mike Thalassitis, 26, was found hanged near his home in North London.

It was revealed Mike was plagued with 'huge debts' and devastated over the death of his beloved grandmother before his death.

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