Sylvia Young dies aged 86: Daughter pays tribute to stage school pioneer who launched careers of Amy Winehouse, Rita Ora and Billie Piper

Daughter and West End star Frances Ruffelle – the mother of pop star Eliza Doolittle – confirmed this morning that her mother had died peacefully surrounded by her 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 showbusiness.

Other famous faces who attended include Singer Dua Lipa, 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.’

Stage school pioneer Sylivia Young has died at the age of 89, her daughter confirmed this morning
+6
View gallery

Stage school pioneer Sylivia Young has died at the age of 89, her daughter confirmed this morning

Sylvia was responsible for launching the career of iconic British singer Amy Winehouse
+6
View gallery

Sylvia was responsible for launching the career of iconic British singer Amy Winehouse

Billie Piper also attended the Sylvia Young stage school and is one of a long list of famous faces owing their career to her
+6
View gallery

Billie Piper also attended the Sylvia Young stage school and is one of a long list of famous faces owing their career to her

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.’

Sylvia was described by her daughter as a 'true visionary' who gave young people from all walks of life the chance to pursue their performing arts skills
+6
View gallery

Sylvia was described by her daughter as a ‘true visionary’ who gave young people from all walks of life the chance to pursue their performing arts skills

Both her daughter Frances Ruffelle and granddaughter Eliza Doolittle (pictured) have enjoyed successful careers in entertainment
+6
View gallery

Both her daughter Frances Ruffelle and granddaughter Eliza Doolittle (pictured) have enjoyed successful careers in entertainment


+6
View gallery

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.

All Saints singer Nicole Appleton wrote: ‘Frances, I am so sorry to hear your amazing mum has passed. She was a massive part in my life and paved the way for so many of us! Sending you all so much love.’

Her sister and fellow All Saints star wrote: ‘Oh Frances. I am so sad, so sorry to hear this news. Your amazing mum was a pioneer. She was a rare force who just knew… and she worked so hard.. what a legend.

‘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.

‘I’m sending so much love to you and all the family.’

Presenter Kate Thornton wrote: ‘I’m so very sorry for your loss. She meant so much to so many.’