Sylvia Young, Pioneer of Stage School Attended by Amy Winehouse and Dua Lipa, Passes Away at 86

Sylvia Young, the stage school pioneer, has died at the age of 86, her daughter has confirmed. The school boasts an alumni of famous faces, including Amy Winehouse, Dua Lipa, Emma Bunton, Billie Piper, and McFly's Tom Fletcher.

Her daughter, Frances Ruffelle, confirmed the news, saying: '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.'

British Hollywood A-listers also attended the school, such as Matt Smith and Nicholas Hoult, who plays Lex Luthor in the new Superman movie. Rita Ora also walked through its doors, along with soap stars Adam Woodyatt, Kara Tointon, and Tamzin Outhwaite. Sylvia previously described herself as the 'caretaker of the school'. She lived above its halls alongside her husband, Norman. Sylvia was the founder and principal of the renowned educational establishment. She died peacefully this morning surrounded by family.

According to the source: Birmingham Live.