Sylvia Young – the founder of a theatre school which taught the likes of singer Amy Winehouse, EastEnders actor Adam Woodyatt and James Bond star Lashana Lynch – has been hailed as a “true visionary” after she died aged 86.
Her daughters Alison and Frances Ruffelle said it was with “great sadness” that they confirmed the death of their mother – who “passed away peacefully” on Wednesday – in a statement posted on the Sylvia Young Agency Instagram account.
Their statement read: “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.”
The Sylvia Young Theatre School, which was established in 1972 offering full-time and part-time courses, produced a wide range of stars from singers such as Dua Lipa and Rita Ora, to actors such as Doctor Who’s Billie Piper and Nosferatu’s Nicholas Hoult.
Young’s daughters added: “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.
“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.”
McFly star Tom Fletcher met his wife, podcaster and presenter Giovanna Fletcher, at the school, which they attended from the age of 13, with Young attending their wedding.
The singer said he was “absolutely heartbroken” to hear about her death and said he would have never met his wife “if it wasn’t for Sylvia”.
“Like all of her ex-students, Sylvia has always stood by me, supporting everything I’ve done and I hope I made her proud,” he said in a social media post.
In a tribute on Instagram, Giovanna said: “My life would not be what it is without Sylvia Young.
“I remember watching Sylvia on Live And Kicking when I was 12 years old, she was talking about her school and all the fun they had there.
“I phoned up for a brochure and applied for a scholarship without telling my mum and dad, I didn’t get the scholarship, but I got a place with a ‘deal’ attached because Sylvia wanted me there – something I quickly learned the majority of the 140 students had.”
She continued: “I loved sitting in Sylvia’s office and watching her work.
“She was meticulous, she knew what every child was up to and how to get the best out of everyone, she was devoted to helping her kids and I know how much she cared for each of us. Sometimes she cared when others didn’t – helping some incredible talent flourish in the process.
“No-one ever wanted to upset Sylvia and that’s not because she would get angry and shout, quite the opposite, Sylvia’s disapproval was enough – because we all knew how lucky we were to be at that school, doing what we loved. We all wanted to impress her, and that never stopped.”
In a comment on Young’s daughters’ social media post, actress Bonnie Langford added: “Such sad news, Sylvia was such an inspiring, kind and generous person.
“She made a difference to so many and will be missed by so many, love to all the family and all those who she made feel were her family. Heartfelt condolences to you Frances and Alison and to Stephen and all the team.”
Radio presenter Tony Blackburn, who was a friend of Young, also paid tribute in a post on X.
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…
— Tony Blackburn OBE. (@tonyblackburn) July 30, 2025
He said: “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.”
Elsewhere, The Wanted’s Nathan Sykes, another alumni of the Sylvia Young Theatre School, said he was “absolutely devastated” in a social media post.
Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre co-chief executive Claire Walker told the PA news agency that Young “was a stalwart champion for drama and music training as well as creative education more widely.”
“Her decades of work in our industry were rightly celebrated with a Special Recognition Olivier Award in 2022”, she said.
“Her legacy lives on in the hundreds of Sylvia Young Theatre School alumni who have graced stages across the UK. We would like to extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends and former students”
Absolutely devastated. Rest in peace, Sylvia Young pic.twitter.com/IAbnvQNuYF
— Nathan Sykes (@NathanSykes) July 30, 2025
In her honour, theatre producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh will be dimming the lights at the Gielgud Theatre on Thursday evening.
He told PA: “Sylvia Young has been a force of nature and legend in British showbusiness for so long that it seems impossible to take in that she is no longer with us.
“Sylvia was a pioneer who became a caring but formidable children’s agent who then went on to found the top drama school for young performers. She has had a profound influence on the character and discipline of generations of new young talent.
“The show that proved the greatest showcase for the young actors she discovered and nurtured is undoubtedly Oliver! which has featured hundreds of her students over the years, including several in our current London company.
“For many decades we have all been indebted to her indefatigable enthusiasm, perceptive eye and prodigious output of talent – we have always considered Sylvia to be part of the family as she has always done everything for us.”
Young was the subject of an episode of This Is Your Life in 1998, and was appointed an Officer Of The Order Of The British Empire (OBE) in 2005 for her services to the arts.
She married Norman Ruffelle in London in 1961, and is the grandmother of singer Eliza Doolittle.
