Latest news with #SylviaYoungTheatreSchool
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
How Sylvia Young went from housewife charging 10p for drama lessons to theatre school boss who made Britain's top stars
FOR a housewife who started out charging ten pence for after-school drama lessons, Sylvia Young had an incredible ability to spot raw talent. The 85-year-old, who 15 Sylvia Young had an incredible ability to spot raw talent Credit: Alamy 15 Sylvia helped hone the skills of a who's who of the British entertainment industry Credit: Facebook/FrancesRuffelle 15 Amy Winehouse passed the audition to join Sylvia's theatre school in London Credit: Getty 15 A young Amy Winehouse pictured at the Sylvia Young Theatre School Credit: X Among those to have passed the audition to join her theatre school in London were singers Dua, who has won seven Brit awards and three Grammys, said that she did not know she could sing until a teacher at the Sylvia Young Theatre School told her how good she was. Actors who attended her classes include The school was also a conveyor belt for EastEnders stars, with Nick Berry, Letitia Dean, Adam Woodyatt and Dean Gaffney all passing through its doors. READ MORE ON DRAMA SCHOOLS Stage fright But there were problems along the way. In 1998 one of the drama masters was arrested for indecent assault, and the company struggled to survive the Covid shutdown. The pressures of fame also proved too much for some former pupils, including the late Winehouse and EastEnders' original Mark Fowler, David Scarboro, who was found at the bottom of cliffs as Beachy Head in East Sussex in 1988. Sylvia, though, was loved by her former pupils, many of whom paid tribute to the 'backstage matriarch'. Keeley Hawes wrote: 'I wouldn't have the career I have today without her help'. Most read in Celebrity And All Saints singer Nicole Appleton commented: 'This is going to really affect us all who were lucky enough to be part of her amazing world growing up. What a time, the best memories.' DJ Tony Blackburn added: 'She was a very lovely lady who I had the privilege of knowing for many years. She will be sadly missed.' Winehouse Shows Star Quality Actress Sadie Frost commented online: 'What a woman, what a family, what a legacy! Sending everyone so much love and support. She was always so lovely to me.' And TV and radio presenter Kate Thornton said she 'meant so much to so many'. Sylvia did not boast about the success of her students and the school's website does not mention its incredible roster of ex-pupils. But it is hard to imagine a single drama teacher ever having as much impact as her. Sylvia's two daughters, Alison and Frances Ruffelle, who are directors of the theatre school, 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 and music world, even winning herself an Olivier Award along the way.' 15 Pop star Rita Ora also attended Sylvia's school Credit: Getty 15 Rita Ora pictured as a student of the Sylvia Young Theatre School Credit: John Clark/22five Publishing 15 Denise Van Outen was a product of the prestigious school Credit: Getty 15 A young and smiling Denise at Sylvia's school Credit: YouTube Sylvia made it to the top of the British entertainment industry the hard way. She was the eldest of nine children born to Abraham Bakal, a tailor's presser, and housewife Sophie in London's East End. Born in 1939 just after the outbreak of World War Two she remembered the air raid sirens during the Blitz of the capital. She was evacuated to a village near At the local library she was gripped by reading plays and would meet up with friends to perform them. While still at school she joined a theatre group in North London, but her dreams of treading the boards in the West End were dashed by stage fright. She said: 'I used to lose my voice before every production. When I think about it, they were sort of panic attacks.' Instead, she married telephone engineer Norman Ruffell in 1961 and stayed at home to look after their two daughters. When Alison and Frances attended primary school, Sylvia started teaching drama to their fellow pupils. It cost just ten pence and the kids also got a cup of orange squash and a biscuit. Word spread and when her students got the nickname the Young-uns, Sylvia decided to adopt the surname Young for business purposes. The first Sylvia Young Theatre School was set up in 1981 in Drury Lane in the heart of London's theatre district. Two years later, it moved to a former church school in Marylebone in central London, where most of its famous pupils got their start. Even though it is fee-paying, everyone has to pass an audition — and only one in 25 applicants are successful. 15 Dua Lipa, who has won seven Brit awards and three Grammys Credit: Redferns 15 She did not know she could sing until a teacher at the Sylvia Young Theatre School told her how good she was Credit: Instagram 15 Emma Bunton joining the Spice Girls was thanks to Sylvia's school Credit: Getty 15 It was thanks to talent scouts and casting agents putting up requests on the notice board at the school Credit: Shutterstock Editorial It costs up to £7,000 per term for full-time students and only has places for 250 pupils aged ten to 16. There are bursaries and fee reductions for pupils from less well-off backgrounds, plus a Saturday school and part-time classes. Sylvia was always keen to avoid it being a school for rich kids. When she took an assembly she would ask pupils, 'What mustn't we be?', and they would shout back, 'Stage school brats'. Keeping kids level-headed when stardom beckoned was also important for the teacher. She said: 'I offer good training and like to keep the students as individual as possible. 'We develop a lot of confidence and communication skills. Of course they want immediate stardom, but they're not expecting it. You don't find notices up here about who's doing what. It is actually played down tremendously.' 'Baby Spice was lovely' A need for discipline even applied to Sylvia's daughter Frances, who she expelled from the school. Frances clearly got over it, going on to have a career in musical theatre and representing the United Kingdom in the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest, finishing tenth. Those genes were strong, with Frances' daughter, stage name Eliza Doolittle, having a Top Five hit with Pack Up in 2010. The ever-rebellious Amy Winehouse, who died in 2011 aged 27 from accidental alcohol poisoning, claimed to have been kicked out, too. She said: 'I was just being a brat and being disruptive and so on. I loved it there, I didn't have a problem, I just didn't want to conform. 'And they didn't like me wearing a nose piercing.' But Sylvia did not want Amy to leave. She said: 'She would upset the academic teachers, except the English teacher who thought she'd be a novelist. She seemed to be just loved. But she was naughty.' Other singers were clearly inspired by their time at the school, which moved to new premises in Westminster in 2010. 15 Billie Piper had her acting skills honed thanks to Sylvia Credit: Getty 15 Billie attended the Sylvia Young Theatre School Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd 15 Sylvia was loved by her former pupils, many of whom paid tribute to the 'backstage matriarch' Credit: Alamy She said, 'I was terrified', but that the vocal coach 'was the first person to tell me I could sing'. Talent scouts and casting agents would put up requests on the notice board at the school. One such posting led to Emma Bunton joining the Spice Girls. Of Baby Spice, Sylvia said: 'She got away with whatever she could. But she was a lovely, happy-go-lucky individual with a sweet singing voice.' Groups were also formed by Sylvia's ex-pupils. All Saints singer Melanie Blatt became best friends with But Melanie was not complimentary about the school, once saying: 'I just found the whole thing really up its own arse.' Casting agents did, however, hold the classes in very high regard. The professionalism instilled in the students meant that producers from major British TV shows such as EastEnders and Grange Hill kept coming back for more. Hundreds, if not thousands, of less well-known performers treading the boards of Britain's stages also have the school's ethos to thank for their success. Those achievements were recognised in the 2005 Honours List when Sylvia was awarded an OBE for services to the arts. Sir Cameron Mackintosh, who has produced shows including Les Miserables and Cats, said: 'The show that provided the greatest showcase for the young actors she discovered and nurtured is undoubtedly Oliver! which has featured hundreds of her students over the years. 'Sylvia was a pioneer who became a caring but formidable children's agent.'
Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
How Sylvia Young went from housewife charging 10p for drama lessons to theatre school boss who made Britain's top stars
FOR a housewife who started out charging ten pence for after-school drama lessons, Sylvia Young had an incredible ability to spot raw talent. The 85-year-old, who died on Wednesday, helped hone the skills of a who's who of the British entertainment industry. 15 Sylvia Young had an incredible ability to spot raw talent Credit: Alamy 15 Sylvia helped hone the skills of a who's who of the British entertainment industry Credit: Facebook/FrancesRuffelle 15 Amy Winehouse passed the audition to join Sylvia's theatre school in London Credit: Getty 15 A young Amy Winehouse pictured at the Sylvia Young Theatre School Credit: X Among those to have passed the audition to join her theatre school in London were singers Amy Winehouse, Leona Lewis, Dua Lipa, Rita Ora and three-quarters of All Saints. Dua, who has won seven Brit awards and three Grammys, said that she did not know she could sing until a teacher at the Sylvia Young Theatre School told her how good she was. Actors who attended her classes include Keeley Hawes, Doctor Who's Matt Smith, Nicholas Hoult, who is in the latest Superman blockbuster, and Emmy-nominated Adolescence and Top Boy star Ashley Walters. The school was also a conveyor belt for EastEnders stars, with Nick Berry, Letitia Dean, Adam Woodyatt and Dean Gaffney all passing through its doors. Stage fright But there were problems along the way. In 1998 one of the drama masters was arrested for indecent assault, and the company struggled to survive the Covid shutdown. The pressures of fame also proved too much for some former pupils, including the late Winehouse and EastEnders' original Mark Fowler, David Scarboro, who was found at the bottom of cliffs as Beachy Head in East Sussex in 1988. Sylvia, though, was loved by her former pupils, many of whom paid tribute to the 'backstage matriarch'. Keeley Hawes wrote: 'I wouldn't have the career I have today without her help'. And All Saints singer Nicole Appleton commented: 'This is going to really affect us all who were lucky enough to be part of her amazing world growing up. What a time, the best memories.' DJ Tony Blackburn added: 'She was a very lovely lady who I had the privilege of knowing for many years. She will be sadly missed.' Winehouse Shows Star Quality Actress Sadie Frost commented online: 'What a woman, what a family, what a legacy! Sending everyone so much love and support. She was always so lovely to me.' And TV and radio presenter Kate Thornton said she 'meant so much to so many'. Sylvia did not boast about the success of her students and the school's website does not mention its incredible roster of ex-pupils. But it is hard to imagine a single drama teacher ever having as much impact as her. Sylvia's two daughters, Alison and Frances Ruffelle, who are directors of the theatre school, 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 and music world, even winning herself an Olivier Award along the way.' 15 Pop star Rita Ora also attended Sylvia's school Credit: Getty 15 Rita Ora pictured as a student of the Sylvia Young Theatre School Credit: John Clark/22five Publishing 15 Denise Van Outen was a product of the prestigious school Credit: Getty 15 A young and smiling Denise at Sylvia's school Credit: YouTube Sylvia made it to the top of the British entertainment industry the hard way. She was the eldest of nine children born to Abraham Bakal, a tailor's presser, and housewife Sophie in London's East End. Born in 1939 just after the outbreak of World War Two she remembered the air raid sirens during the Blitz of the capital. She was evacuated to a village near Barnsley during the war, only returning home once it was over. At the local library she was gripped by reading plays and would meet up with friends to perform them. While still at school she joined a theatre group in North London, but her dreams of treading the boards in the West End were dashed by stage fright. She said: 'I used to lose my voice before every production. When I think about it, they were sort of panic attacks.' Instead, she married telephone engineer Norman Ruffell in 1961 and stayed at home to look after their two daughters. When Alison and Frances attended primary school, Sylvia started teaching drama to their fellow pupils. It cost just ten pence and the kids also got a cup of orange squash and a biscuit. Word spread and when her students got the nickname the Young-uns, Sylvia decided to adopt the surname Young for business purposes. The first Sylvia Young Theatre School was set up in 1981 in Drury Lane in the heart of London's theatre district. Two years later, it moved to a former church school in Marylebone in central London, where most of its famous pupils got their start. Even though it is fee-paying, everyone has to pass an audition — and only one in 25 applicants are successful. 15 Dua Lipa, who has won seven Brit awards and three Grammys Credit: Redferns 15 She did not know she could sing until a teacher at the Sylvia Young Theatre School told her how good she was Credit: Instagram 15 Emma Bunton joining the Spice Girls was thanks to Sylvia's school Credit: Getty 15 It was thanks to talent scouts and casting agents putting up requests on the notice board at the school Credit: Shutterstock Editorial It costs up to £7,000 per term for full-time students and only has places for 250 pupils aged ten to 16. There are bursaries and fee reductions for pupils from less well-off backgrounds, plus a Saturday school and part-time classes. Sylvia was always keen to avoid it being a school for rich kids. When she took an assembly she would ask pupils, 'What mustn't we be?', and they would shout back, 'Stage school brats'. Keeping kids level-headed when stardom beckoned was also important for the teacher. She said: 'I offer good training and like to keep the students as individual as possible. 'We develop a lot of confidence and communication skills. Of course they want immediate stardom, but they're not expecting it. You don't find notices up here about who's doing what. It is actually played down tremendously.' 'Baby Spice was lovely' A need for discipline even applied to Sylvia's daughter Frances, who she expelled from the school. Frances clearly got over it, going on to have a career in musical theatre and representing the United Kingdom in the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest, finishing tenth. Those genes were strong, with Frances' daughter, stage name Eliza Doolittle, having a Top Five hit with Pack Up in 2010. The ever-rebellious Amy Winehouse, who died in 2011 aged 27 from accidental alcohol poisoning, claimed to have been kicked out, too. She said: 'I was just being a brat and being disruptive and so on. I loved it there, I didn't have a problem, I just didn't want to conform. 'And they didn't like me wearing a nose piercing.' But Sylvia did not want Amy to leave. She said: 'She would upset the academic teachers, except the English teacher who thought she'd be a novelist. She seemed to be just loved. But she was naughty.' Other singers were clearly inspired by their time at the school, which moved to new premises in Westminster in 2010. 15 Billie Piper had her acting skills honed thanks to Sylvia Credit: Getty 15 Billie attended the Sylvia Young Theatre School Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd 15 Sylvia was loved by her former pupils, many of whom paid tribute to the 'backstage matriarch' Credit: Alamy Dua Lipa, who went to the Saturday school from the age of nine, was asked to sing in front of other pupils shortly after joining. She said, 'I was terrified', but that the vocal coach 'was the first person to tell me I could sing'. Talent scouts and casting agents would put up requests on the notice board at the school. One such posting led to Emma Bunton joining the Spice Girls. Of Baby Spice, Sylvia said: 'She got away with whatever she could. But she was a lovely, happy-go-lucky individual with a sweet singing voice.' Groups were also formed by Sylvia's ex-pupils. All Saints singer Melanie Blatt became best friends with Nicole Appleton at Sylvia Young's and brought her in when her band needed new singers in 1996. But Melanie was not complimentary about the school, once saying: 'I just found the whole thing really up its own arse.' Casting agents did, however, hold the classes in very high regard. The professionalism instilled in the students meant that producers from major British TV shows such as EastEnders and Grange Hill kept coming back for more. Hundreds, if not thousands, of less well-known performers treading the boards of Britain's stages also have the school's ethos to thank for their success. Those achievements were recognised in the 2005 Honours List when Sylvia was awarded an OBE for services to the arts. Sir Cameron Mackintosh, who has produced shows including Les Miserables and Cats, said: 'The show that provided the greatest showcase for the young actors she discovered and nurtured is undoubtedly Oliver! which has featured hundreds of her students over the years. 'Sylvia was a pioneer who became a caring but formidable children's agent.'
Daily Mirror
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Stage school star Sylvia Young's savage reprimand to young Rita Ora over rule-break
Dubbed the 'backstage matriarch', Sylvia Young, who died this week aged 86, nurtured some of Britain's most famous names at her London school, which opened in 1981. She mostly passed unnoticed in the street but in many ways Sylvia Young was everywhere – in soaps, sitcoms and TV dramas, in Hollywood films and on West End stages, and in worldwide hits and stadium shows. Without her, we might never have known pop stars like Amy Winehouse, Dua Lipa, Rita Ora or Leona Lewis. And from Grange Hill to Doctor Who and EastEnders, some famous names may never have been discovered. Although she never wanted the spotlight, the screens, stages and soundtrack of Britain today would be very different without the 'backstage matriarch', who died yesterday morning, aged 86. Tributes poured in from some of Britain's biggest stars, each crediting Sylvia with their success. All Saints singer Nicole Appleton said: 'She was a massive part of my life and paved the way for so many of us.' Actress Sadie Frost added: 'She was always so lovely to me and I will cherish the memories for ever.' Dua Lipa told of the encouragement she got from staff at the Sylvia Young Theatre School, saying: 'Sometimes, all it takes is one thing for them to say and that carries you on for the rest of your life.' Radio icon Tony Blackburn said Sylvia was 'a very lovely lady who I've had the privilege of knowing for many years'. Sylvia was born in Hackney, North East London, in 1939, just as the Second World War broke out. One of nine children, she remembered as a teenager seeking refuge from her busy house at the local library, where she would go every day to read, falling in love with plays. She joined a local theatre company but recalled: 'I used to get stage fright. I used to lose my voice before every production. When I think about it, they were sort of panic attacks.' She left school at 16 and in her early 20s married Norman Ruffell, a telephone engineer, and became a stay-at-home mother. Sylvia, who had daughters, Frances and Alison, started drama classes for children at schools, charging 10p a lesson, and then ran a Saturday school at a Drury Lane sports club. The school later went full-time, staring with 29 pupils in 1981. By 2010 it had grown tenfold due to good GCSE results and pupils' TV roles. The theatre school moved to Marylebone, where it remains. Although the fee-paying school was in high demand, she always ensured low-income students could attend on scholarships. Her daughter Frances Ruffelle, a West End star and mum of pop star Eliza Doolittle, said her mum was 'a true visionary' who 'gave people from all walks of life the chance to pursue their performing arts skills to the highest standard'. The late Amy Winehouse studied at the school after Sylvia gave her a part-scholarship. Sylvia said: 'At Amy's audition she sang On The Sunny Side Of The Street so superbly that I thought, 'My God, this is the new Judy Garland!' She was tremendously musical, she had her own style, image, everything. 'She wouldn't wear the school uniform correctly, her tie would often be askew and in classes she'd chew gum. But I couldn't be angry with her because she was her own person. She was a free spit and had been given a special gift." EastEnders' Dean Gaffney was at the school in the early 90s, in the same years as actors Daniella Westbrook and John Pickard, and Spice Girl Emma Bunton. Dean, who was also on a half-scholarship, remembered: 'On the Monday to Wednesday, you did normal academic subjects, then on a Thursday and Friday, it turned into a complete Fame school, with people singing down the hallways. 'If I hadn't gone to that school, who knows where I'd be. Maybe EastEnders wouldn't have picked up the phone to see who they'd got on their books.' Other famous attendees included Billie Piper, Letitia Dean, Lily Cole and Gemma Collins. Doctor Who actor Matt Smith, Little Mix singers Jesy Nelson and Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Busted bassist Matt Willis also went there. Pop star and talent show judge Rita Ora, who studied music at the school, recalled also having trouble following the rules. She said: 'I was cheeky. I hated wearing a hairnet. Sylvia would come into ballet class and catch me without one. 'Rita, there are some rules. This is a serious matter', she'd say. 'Sylvia had a soft spot for me, though. I was never rude, I just wasn't great at listening.' McFly rocker Tom Fletcher met his wife, presenter Giovanna, at the school, which they attended from the age of 13. Sylvia was at their wedding. Giovanna said: 'My life would not be what it is without Sylvia Young. She knew what every child was up to and how to get the best out of everyone.' While some pupils knew what they wanted to do with their talent, others, like Denise van Outen, were not so sure. Denise, who studied with actresses Billie Piper and Keeley Hawes, remembered: 'When we got towards the end of our time there, Sylvia sat each of us down for a careers chat and asked which way we wanted to go. 'They wanted you to choose one route or another, but I said, 'I like doing it all'. I was a bit confused, I suppose, because unlike Billie and Keeley, I didn't have an obviously outstanding talent. I enjoyed everything and could do it all okay. 'So Sylvia said, 'Well, try and do it all and see what happens. You don't have to be brilliant at everything'." It worked, and Denise went on to present the Big Breakfast, starred in musical Chicago and was runner-up in Strictly. Dua Lipa attended the school at weekends as a child, then re-enrolled following her A-levels. During the pop star's ITV Christmas special at the Royal Albert Hall last year she had an emotional reunion with her old music teacher, Ray. She recalled of him: 'He heard my really deep voice and was like, 'You've got something special, use it'. He completely changed my life.' Well into her latter years, Sylvia still lived in the school, describing herself as the 'caretaker' as she and Norman stayed in the upstairs flat. And right up to her death, she continued to nurture the stars of the future. The legacy of the 'backstage matriarch' will continue to shape the screens, stages and stadiums of Britain.
Metro
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Soap stars pay tribute as 'wonderful' industry legend dies aged 86
Countless soap stars have taken to social media to pay tribute to industry legend Sylvia Young following the news of her death at 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'. 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. 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. '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
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
The woman behind Britain's pop icons dies
Sylvia Young, the powerhouse educator who quietly sculpted Britain's pop and stage royalty from behind the curtain, has died at the age of 85. Her daughters confirmed she passed peacefully on July 30, leaving behind a towering legacy in the world of performing arts education. In 1972, Young began offering part-time drama classes in East London. What started modestly soon transformed into the legendary Sylvia Young Theatre School, founded in 1981 and now nestled in a converted Westminster church. Her school became a launchpad for an astonishing roster of talent including Amy Winehouse, Billie Piper, Dua Lipa, Emma Bunton, Rita Ora, Leona Lewis, Nicholas Hoult, and Lashana Lynch, among others. Her daughters, Frances and Alison Ruffelle, called her a 'true visionary' in a heartfelt statement. 'She gave young people from all walks of life the chance to pursue their performing arts skills to the highest standard… She believed hard work with a bit of luck brought success, and she was an example of that herself.' Young wasn't just an administrator; she was a quiet storm of influence in British entertainment. Known for her ability to spot raw talent, she nurtured it with precision, rigour, and a belief in versatility. She famously told Denise Van Outen, 'Don't focus on one thing, try and do all of it and you'll always work.' Awarded an OBE in 2005 and a special Olivier Award in 2022, Young never sought fame. Yet her impact is inked into the DNA of British pop culture. Generations of stars credit her for their start; some even called her their second mother. Tributes have flooded in. DJ Tony Blackburn wrote, 'She will be sadly missed.' Sadie Frost added, 'What a woman, what a family, what a legacy!' Even in death, Sylvia Young remains a name whispered in greenrooms, dressing rooms, and rehearsal studios, a symbol of the stage mother Britain didn't know it had.
