Syvia Young, best known for her stage school and launching the careers of Amy Winehouse and Billie Piper, has died at the age of 86.
Young’s daughter Frances Ruffelle announced the news on social media with her sister Alison,revealing their mother died on Wednesday morning.
‘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.’
The pair mentioned their mother’s incredible legacy, having trained many singers and performers in the public eye who have credited her for their astonishing careers.
‘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.’
Famous people who went to The Sylvia Young Theatre School
The school has many famous alumni including: Alex Pettyfer, Billie Piper, Busted’s Matt Willis, Dua Lipa, Spice Girls’ Emma Bunton, McFly’s Tom Fletcher, Ella Purnell, Lashana Lynch, Lily Cole, Daniel Kaluuya, Nicholas Hoult.and Rita Ora.
Amy Winehouse and Billie Piper attended the school at the same time, with Billie admitting that the late star was bullied while attending the school.
Speaking on podcast Table Manners with Jessie Ware, Billie said Winehouse ‘got bullied quite a lot at school because she was doing her own thing’.
She said the late star ‘like to push buttons, and do weird stuff. I had a lot of space for that, but not many of the girls did,’ adding that school ‘wasn’t the easiest ride’ for Winehouse.
Young told Metro in 2021 how the vocalist was ‘sensational from the moment she auditioned’ for her school.
‘She was brilliant academically, we put her up a year. Her English teacher, Mr Mac, thought she would be a novelist. She was quirky, maddening, irritating, but with a good heart.
‘Of course, as a vocalist, she was sensational. From the moment she auditioned and won a half-scholarship singing “On the Sunny Side of the Street” it was clear that a singing future was ahead.
‘Amy was extraordinary. She had a God-given talent which set her apart.
‘She was a brilliant vocalist and songwriter, and we lost her too early. She was destined to be up there with the greatest.
‘A sad loss to the world of music and to all of us.’
Many celebrities who worked with her have paid tribute to Young,commenting on the post from her daughter.
All Saints singer Natalie Appleton commented: ‘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 🙏🏼♥️xxxx’
Actress Sadie Frost said: ‘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, sharing a broken heart emoji.
Giovanna Fletcher shared a long post on social media about Young, with an image of Young at her wedding to McFly star Tom Fletcher.
‘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.’
The post spoke about her impact on her life and concluded with her condolences: ‘I am heartbroken to hear that Sylvia is no longer with us. I owe her so much love and gratitude. My heart goes to her husband Norman, her family, and all who knew her.’
EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick said on Instagram: ‘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.’
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