Latest news with #entertainers
Daily Mail
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Sylvia Young dies aged 86: Daughter pays tribute to stage school pioneer who launched careers of Amy Winehouse, Rita Ora and Billie Piper
Sylvia Young whose world famous stage school launched the careers of Amy Winehouse, Rita Ora, Billie Piper and Spice Girl Emma Bunton, has died at the age of 86. Her daughter, West End star Frances Ruffelle, confirmed this morning that her mother had died peacefully this morning surrounded by her family. Frances is herself the mother of pop star Eliza Doolittle, another member of the talented family. Some of Britain's best known entertainers and singers owe their careers to the pioneering teacher, who founded her eponymous school in 1972. Now based in Westminster, the £14,400 a year school began with part time classes in the east end of London, before expanding to a larger space in Marleybone and then changing venues once again to a converted church in Westminster where it remains today. The school has a strong reputation for nurturing young talent with an alumni that reads like a roll call of British showbuisness. Other famous faces who attended include presenter Denise Van Outen and Tom Fletcher from McFly. Denise Van Outen credited Sylvia for her career. In an interview she told how Young has advised her 'don't focus on one thing, try and do all of it and you'll always work.' Van Outen has enjoyed a successful career in TV, film and theatre, performing in the West End and on Broadway. Today, Young's daughter, Frances Ruffelle who was the original Eponine in the West End stage stage production of Les Miserables, paid tribute to her mother on social media. She 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. Radio legend 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 wrote: '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.' EastEnders star Adam Woodyatt, famous for playing Ian Beale, also replied to Frances's Instagram post, sharing a broken heart emoji.
Washington Post
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Washington Post
Barcelona star Yamal faces backlash for reportedly hiring people with dwarfism for birthday party
BARCELONA, Spain — Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has been criticized and could face an investigation for reportedly hiring people with dwarfism as entertainers during his lavish 18th birthday party this weekend. Spain's Ministry of Social Rights has asked prosecutors to open a probe into the hiring and exposition of the entertainers. Ministry director Jesús Martín Blanco told Europa Press that such hirings 'take us back to the Middle Ages.'
Arab News
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Barcelona star Yamal faces backlash for reportedly hiring people with dwarfism for birthday party
BARCELONA: Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has been criticized and could face an investigation for reportedly hiring people with dwarfism as entertainers during his lavish 18th birthday party this weekend. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport
CTV News
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Barcelona star Yamal faces backlash for reportedly hiring people with dwarfism for birthday party
Spain's Lamine Yamal warms up for the Nations League semifinal soccer match in Stuttgart, Germany on June 5, 2025. (Matthias Schrader / AP Photo) BARCELONA, Spain — Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has been criticized and could face an investigation for reportedly hiring people with dwarfism as entertainers during his lavish 18th birthday party this weekend. Spain's Ministry of Social Rights has asked prosecutors to open a probe into the hiring and exposition of the entertainers. Ministry director Jesus Martin Blanco told Europa Press that such hirings 'take us back to the Middle Ages.' A local association for people with disabilities had already condemned the alleged hirings, saying it would take action 'legally and socially' against those responsible for promoting such actions. Spanish radio station RAC1 published an interview with one of the entertainers who said he was in the party. The man said they were all treated with respect. He complained about the reaction against Yamal for hiring them. Yamal celebrated his birthday with a party filled with celebrities. It also included some of his Barcelona teammates.
Al Arabiya
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Arabiya
Barcelona Star Yamal faces backlash for reportedly hiring people with dwarfism for birthday party
Barcelona, Spain–Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has been criticized and could face an investigation for reportedly hiring people with dwarfism as entertainers during his lavish 18th birthday party this weekend. Spain's Ministry of Social Rights has asked prosecutors to open a probe into the hiring and exposition of the entertainers. Ministry director Jesús Martín Blanco told Europa Press that such hirings take us back to the Middle Ages. A local association for people with disabilities had already condemned the alleged hirings, saying it would take action legally and socially against those responsible for promoting such actions. Spanish radio station RAC1 published an interview with one of the entertainers who said he was in the party. The man said they were all treated with respect. He complained about the reaction against Yamal for hiring them. Yamal celebrated his birthday with a party filled with celebrities. It also included some of his Barcelona teammates.
