Soap stars pay tribute as 'wonderful' industry legend dies aged 86
Sylvia founded the Sylvia Young Theatre School in 1972, launching the careers of numerous stars, including pop stars Amy Winehouse and Dua Lipa, TV stars Billie Piper and Keeley Hawes and musical theatre legends Jenna Russell and Frances Ruffelle.
The Sylvia Young Theatre School was also the starting point for a huge number of soap stars, many of whom have taken to Instagram to pay their respects.
'Although very sad news, you finally get a well-deserved rest. Thank you for the opportunities and belief. What a legacy. Rest in peace, Sylvia,' Emmerdale star Kevin Mathurin, who plays vicar Charles Anderson, wrote.
'Thanks for everything Sylvia, rest peacefully,' said EastEnders' Anna Knight star Molly Rainford, while Mel Owen actress Tamzin Outhwaite penned: 'R.I.P Sylvia Young. You will be so missed.'
'Incredibly sad to hear of Sylvia's passing… What a wonderful lady and I hold so many lovely memories from my days at her school. RIP Sylvia,' Jay Brown actor Jamie Borthwick said, while Lauren Branning star Jacqueline Jossa thanked the late principal for doing 'so much for so many'. https://www.instagram.com/p/DMu7ZoxMkmo/
While Kellie Bright, who plays Linda Carter, and Matt Di Angelo, who starred as Dean Wicks, wrote lengthy tributes, Elaine Peacock actress Harriet Thorpe kept her statement simple, writing: '#RIP #SilviaYoung A theatrical icon and #Superwoman for #thearts.'
Preeya Kalidas, who played Amira Masood in the BBC soap until 2012, also penned a long and heartfelt statement, while Michelle Collins, who plays Cindy Beale, said: 'So sad to hear this what an incredible lady!'
Coronation Street's Leanne Battersby star Jane Danson also shared memories of Sylvia, writing: 'I remember her coming to Oldham theatre workshop to watch one of our shows with our David Johnson – two legends now gone. The best days.'
Sylvia's death was announced yesterday by her daughters Frances and Alison, who took to social media to pay a loving tribute to their mum. https://www.instagram.com/p/DMvKn6LNtND/?img_index=1
Sylvia Young trained countless soap stars, including: Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale, EastEnders)
Adele Silva (Kelly Windsor, Emmerdale)
Dean Gaffney (Robbie Jackson, EastEnders)
Denise Van Outen (Prudence Wallace, Neighbours)
Isabel Hodgins (Victoria Sugden, Emmerdale)
Jamie Borthwick (Jay Brown, EastEnders)
Jenna Russell (Michelle Fowler, EastEnders)
Kara Tointon (Dawn Swann, EastEnders)
Kellie Bright (Linda Carter, EastEnders)
Kevin Mathurin (Charles Anderson, Emmerdale)
Letitia Dean (Sharon Watts, EastEnders)
Louisa Lytton (Ruby Allen, EastEnders)
Luisa Bradshaw-White (Tina Carter, EastEnders)
Matt Di Angelo (Dean Wicks, EastEnders)
Molly Rainford (Anna Knight, EastEnders)
Nick Berry (Simon Wicks, EastEnders)
Nick Pickard (Tony Hutchinson, Hollyoaks)
Nicola Stapleton (Mandy Salter, EastEnders)
Perry Fenwick (Billy Mitchell, EastEnders)
Preeya Kalidas (Amira Masood, EastEnders)
Samantha Womack (Ronnie Mitchell, EastEnders)
Sheree Murphy (Tricia Dingle, Emmerdale)
Tamzin Outhwaite (Melanie Owen, EastEnders)
Tom Atkinson (Lachlan White, Emmerdale)
'It is with great sadness we let you know that our incredible Mum, Sylvia Young passed away peacefully this morning 30th July 2025.
'Our Mum was a true visionary. She gave young people from all walks of life the chance to pursue their performing arts skills to the highest standard.
'Her rare ability to recognise raw talent and encourage all her students contributed to the richness of today's theatre and music world, even winning herself an Olivier Award along the way.
'She believed hard work with a bit of luck brought success, and she was an example of that herself.
'She leaves as her legacy a wealth of brilliant performers, a thriving school bearing her name, and a priceless place in the nation's heart. https://www.instagram.com/p/DMvot-noPC6/?img_index=1
'Above all, she leaves the memory of an East End girl who worked hard to achieve her goals, took hold of life, and lived it to the full. More Trending
'Her family were everything to her, her wonderful husband, our dad, Norman and her grandchildren Eliza, Nat, Felix and Coral plus her great grandson Rex.
'We share her love with her wide and inclusive family, her friends, her students. You all meant the world to her.
View More »
'We will miss her so very much. Alison and Frances.'
MORE: Suspended EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick enjoys day out with co-stars amid slur scandal
MORE: EastEnders confirms Elaine's future with exciting new job after the Vic
MORE: Sharon Osbourne tearfully greets fans at Ozzy's emotional funeral in Birmingham
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Three-time Grand Slam winner Aryna Sabalenka drives fans wild as she poses topless ahead of US Open
She is preparing to chase a rare honour in tennis later this month lets Saba-look Three-time Grand Slam winner Aryna Sabalenka drives fans wild as she poses topless ahead of US Open Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ARYNA SABALENKA stunned fans as she posed topless in a new post to her Instagram. In the post, Sabalenka can be seen lounging in swimwear by the pool, winking at the camera and showing off her tan lines in the risque topless image. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Aryna Sabalenka shocked fans with a topless photo in her latest Instagram post Credit: INSTAGRAM @arynasabalenka 6 It was just one in a series of revealing images the tennis star posted to her Instagram Credit: INSTAGRAM @arynasabalenka 6 The 27-year-old is in Miami preparing to compete in the US Open later this month Credit: INSTAGRAM @arynasabalenka The tennis star posted the pictures to her 3.3million followers captioned "A day spent in the sun." The post is just the latest in a string of revealing images shared to her account as she enjoys a rest between Grand Slam tournaments. The world No.1 women's tennis player is now sunning it up in Miami as the US Open approaches. Sabalenka will hope to add to her existing tally of three Grand Slam victories with a victory in New York later this month. The 27-year-old narrowly missed out on a shot at making it four at last month's Wimbledon tournament. She battled past British tennis hero Emma Raducanu in the third round, and looked good value to go all the way. 6 The post continues the trend of risque images posted by the Belarusian Credit: INSTAGRAM @arynasabalenka 6 Sabalenka released another set of swimwear snaps in late July flaunting her luxurious holiday travels Credit: INSTAGRAM @arynasabalenka 6 Sabalenka is recovering after a Wimbledon tournament that saw her knock out Emma Raducanu before losing in the semi-finals to Amanda Anisimova Credit: Getty Her shock semi-final exit to Amanda Anisimova was the third time she had made it to the semis at the tournament, losing on all three occasions. Anisimova would be absolutely crushed in the final by Sabalenka's rival at the summit of the WTA rankings, Polish star Iga Świątek. Sabalenka has better form at the US Open, and is set to try and defend her title when the competition kicks off on August 24th. The Belarusian narrowly saw off American Jessica Pegula to win last year's edition of the tournament. Angry Aryna Sabalenka opens up on 'hate relationship' with Wimbledon and battling demons telling her to smash racquets If her demeanour on social media is anything to go by, Sabalenka is feeling relaxed ahead of her return to the court.
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
Liam Neeson's son breaks silence on dad's Pamela Anderson romance with telling comment
Liam Neeson's son, Daniel, who he shared with his late wife Natasha Richardson, has publicly reacted to his dad's new relationship with the Baywatch star. Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson delighted fans when they revealed their blossoming romance at the Naked Gun premiere and it seems they have already gotten their families' approval of their new relationship. The pair hit it off after meeting during filming for the Naked Gun reboot, which they both play a leading role in. The Taken actor, 73, appears to be absolutely smitten with the Baywatch icon, 58, who he he called 'gorgeous' and also praised for her 'silliness'. Pamela and Liam have been seen getting cosy on the red carpet together, with both families posing with them for photos at the film's premieres. The actress has now shared her first snap with Liam to her Instagram page in a playful black and white photoshoot of the pair tossing popcorn at the camera. In another snap, Pamela is seen smiling while lying on the floor as Liam is bent over her with a camera in hand. The actress captioned the series of snaps: "The Naked Gun is finally in theatres! Bring your friends, family, lovers… whoever… just go and have a laugh… it's good for you! I'll see you there." The post has brought in over 1M likes and thousands of comments, with Liam's son Daniel, who he shared with his late wife Natasha Richardson, among them. The 28-year-old seemingly confirmed his approval for his father's new romance as he left a string of emojis in the comments. These included two hands raised in celebration, two fires, two white hearts, and a water pistol so it's safe to say Daniel is happy to see the pair together. Daniel's late mother, Natasha Richardson died in a tragic skiing accident when he was just 12-years-old and his older brother Micheál was 13. The Parent Trap star was just 45-years-old when she passed away in 2009 and had been married to Neeson for 15 years. Natasha's sister, Joely Richardson, also shared her support as she touchingly left seven red heart emojis on Pamela's post. The Baywatch star's son, Brandon Thomas Lee, previously said that his mother and Liam were 'having a great time' on the press tour. He told Access Hollywood: "It's fun to see them be, you know, good castmates [and] have a good time. "I just think they're such great co-stars. I think [chemistry] is part of that, right? I think they have such a great onscreen chemistry that it really, you know, means it's well done." He also left a sweet comment on Pam's Instagram post as he wrote: "So proud of you and all of the hard work that went into this film! Everyone involved should be so proud!" Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Brandon and his younger brother, Dylan Lee, are from Pamela's turbulent first marriage to Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee. They wed in 1995, one year after Liam and Natasha, but went their separate ways in 1998 after the musician was jailed for six months for spousal abuse.
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Twice-axed Love Island star Blu hits back at Angel after she rejected him during return to the villa
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TWICE-axed Love Island star Blu has hit back at Angel after she rejected him during his return to the villa. Last Thursday night, the star was dumped from the villa for the second time alongside Helena, who he'd been in a friendship couple with. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Twice-axed Love Island star Blu hits back at Angel after she rejected him during return to the villa Credit: Instagram 4 Last Thursday night, the star was dumped from the villa for the second time alongside Helena, who he'd been in a friendship couple with Credit: Instagram 4 Angel is in a couple with Ty and the pair are in the final Credit: Eroteme This came after he was the second person to be axed from the Love Island villa when his fellow Islanders chose to save Shea Mannings. But he returned with this year's former Islanders to the villa to cast their thoughts on the final few couples. Fans backed the islander's votes and the brutal dumping of Meg Moore and Dejon Noel-Williams. And now four couples remain in the show, including bookies favourites Toni Laites and Cach Mercer, and Shakira Khan and Harry Cooksley. But now, Blu has hit back at Angel after she rejected him during his return to the villa. Taking to Instagram, the Love Island star was answering a question from fans which asked: "Be honest, how did it feel when angel said you couldn't turn her head?" The fan was referring to a conversation between himself and Angel during the jury challenge. Blue replied: "I didn't expect anything less, she's in a couple, so she's not going to say yes. "Also a lot of it got clipped, I said some other stuff, it just didn't get shown. "I've nothing against Angel and Ty. I think they are both amazing people. Awkward moment Love Island's Harrison calls girlfriend Lauren by his EX'S name live on TikTok - hours after coming face to face with her "I love them both, I literally couldn't have a bad word to say about any of them. "Yeah, I kind of expected it but I'm also gonna back myself. "You're going into Love Island, you've gotta back yourself." Meanwhile, a Love Island couple are seemingly being kept apart following the explosive Jury challenge on the show. The couple have been seemingly inseparable ever since but in a new TikTok live, Harrison told how he wasn't staying with Lauren. With the Islanders still all in Majorca following the vote, Harrison told his fans that he wasn't in the same villa as his girlfriend.
