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.

‘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.

‘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.

‘We will miss her so very much. Alison and Frances.’