Leona Lewis reflects on 20 years since winning The X Factor
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ITV News
3 hours ago
- ITV News
Stage school founder Sylvia Young, who helped discover Amy Winehouse, dies aged 86
Stage school founder Sylvia Young, who helped discover the likes of Rita Ora and Amy Winehouse, has died at the age of 86. Her daughter, West End star Frances Ruffelle, confirmed the news on social media. She paid tribute to her mum, describing her as 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." The theatre school founder was awarded an OBE in 2005 for her services to the arts industry. She helped to launch the careers of many stars, including presenter Denise Van Outen, Busted's Matt Willis, and McFly's Tom Fletcher. Former student and podcast host Giovanna Fletcher said she was "heartbroken." "My life would not be what it is without Sylvia Young," she said. "I am heartbroken to hear that Sylvia is no longer with us. I owe her so much love and gratitude. My heart goes to her husband Norman, her family, and all who knew her. " Presenter Tony Blackburn said he was "so sorry to hear Sylvia Young has passed away." "She was a very lovely lady who I have had the privilege of knowing for many years."
Metro
3 hours ago
- Metro
X Factor star Ray Quinn dashes hopes revealing why Brookside shouldn't return
Former Brookside star Ray Quinn has said the groundbreaking Channel 4 soap opera shouldn't return. The actor and singer, 36, who became a household name when he was runner-up in the third series of ITV talent show The X Factor was a child star on the serial drama during its latter years. Between 2000 and the last ever episode in 2003, Ray was better known as Brookie's Anthony Murray, the son of Marty (Neil Caple), who moved into the fictional cul de sac when Lindsey Corkhill (Claire Sweeney) sold up. Storylines included being bullied by school mate Imelda Clough (Bellie Clements) – and later attacking her with an iron bar. The situation escalated when Anthony chased Imelda into some woodland and then accidentally drowned her when she hit her head on a rock. After being held hostage by a gunman, he confessed everything. 'Brookside set me up for so much, so I can never look back with anything but amazing memories,' Ray told Smooth Pins. 'I loved the show, and it was so iconic and a huge piece of history for Liverpool.' Despite that, he doesn't think the show's magic could be recaptured. Fans have long hoped for a revival, and were thrilled when Scottish streamer STV Player picked up the series in its entirety in 2023. The platform also hosts soap operas Take The High Road and Shortland Street, as well as recently adding children's drama Byker Grove. 'I worry whether it would be as good, or whether it could dilute the legacy,' Ray continued. 'Maybe it's best to just enjoy it for what it was.' This is a sentiment shared by co-star Claire Sweeney, who told Metro last year: 'I don't know if it was a moment in time.' ''I'm proud to be part of it, and proud now to be part of Corrie.' Ray continued acting following Brookside's axing, appearing in BBC police drama Merseybeat and more recently as terrorist Jonny Baxter in Hollyoaks. He lost out on winning The X Factor to Leona Lewis, but continued to release music, appear on Dancing On Ice and form a career in musical theatre in the years that followed. Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale? Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers! During his time on the now defunct singing competition, he formed a close bond with judge Sharon Osbourne – and has reflected on the recent death of her husband Ozzy, who's funeral will take place in Birmingham today. 'Sharon was a big part of my life, even after the show,' he said. More Trending 'When I flew out to LA to record my album, she reached out and invited me to her house for dinner. I went to their Beverly Hills home that was featured on their reality show The Osbournes, so that was pretty surreal. 'Ozzy was there too, and he was such an amazing guy. My heart goes out to the whole family after his passing. I remember we sat down and had lamb to eat and lots of cups of tea.' Ray continued: 'The whole family was amazing, and Ozzy was so kind. He asked me about my music and told me to keep going and enjoy every minute. 'It was like sitting with one of my mates' dads. He showed me all of his paintings that he liked to do too. He had a little art studio by the pool, and there were loads on the walls. He was a great artist and a wonderful man.' View More » MORE: Coronation Street icon opens up on 'imposter syndrome' after 34 years on TV MORE: Olly Murs goes missing from radio show after wild night of partying MORE: Coronation Street casts Brookside legend in new role
Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Sylvia Young dead: Stage school pioneer who helped discover Amy Winehouse, Rita Ora and Billie Piper dies aged 86
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A STAGE school pioneer who discovered stars including Amy Winehouse, Rita Ora and Billie Piper has died aged 86. Sylvia Young passed away peacefully this morning surrounded by family. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 Sylvia Young pictured with Eva Longoria at the Noble Gift Gala Credit: Getty 3 Sylvia has sadly died aged 86 3 The pioneer founded Sylvia Young Theatre School in London Credit: Alamy Her daughter, Frances Ruffelle, confirmed the sad news with a touching tribute. The West End star said: "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 world, even winning an Olivier award herself along the way. "She believed hard work with a bit of luck brought success and she was an example of that herself. "Above all she leaves the memory of an East End girl who's worked hard to achieve her goals, took hold of life and lived it to the full. "Her family were everything to her, her wonderful husband, Norman, our dad and her grandchildren, Eliza, Nat, Phoenix and Coral and her great grandson, Felix. "We share her love with her wide and inclusive family, her friends, her students, you all meant the world to her." Tributes have poured in for Syliva, who founded the £14,400 a year theatre school in London. Radio star Tony Blackburn wrote: "So sorry to hear Sylvia Young has passed away. She founded the Sylvia Young Theatre School which has been responsible for starting so many careers in TV and Theatre. "She was a very lovely lady who I have had the privilege of knowing for many years. She will be sadly missed. R.I.P Sylvia." Actor Sadie Frost added: "What a woman, what a family, what a legacy! "Sending everyone so much love and support - I am here if you need me. "She was always so lovely to me and will cherish memories forever." The Sylvia Young started off holding part time classes in the east end of London. It attracted a larger client base and re-located to Marleybone. Eventually, the theatre school's success saw it move to a converted church in Westminster. It is co-ed and offers both academic and vocational classes for students aged 10 to 16 years. Famous SYTS students include Amy Winehouse, Denise Van Outen, Billie Piper, former Spice Girl Emma Bunton, Alex Pettyfer, Isabel Hodgins, Kara Tointon, Lacey Turner and McFly member Tom Fletcher. Busted bassist Matt Willis, The Saturdays' Vanessa White, and The Wanted member Nathan Sykes, also attended the school. Sylvia leaves behind her two daughters, Frances Ruffelle and Alison Ruffelle, as well as her granddaughter, singer Eliza Doolittle. The theatre school founder was appointed an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List of 2005 for her services to the arts industry. More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
