Emma Bunton and Tom Fletcher Pay Tribute to ‘Life-Changing’ Stage School Pioneer Sylvia Young, 86

Emma Bunton and Tom Fletcher shared emotional tributes to stage school pioneer Sylvia Young, following her death at the age of 86.

Some of Britain’s best known entertainers and singers owe their careers to the pioneering teacher, who founded her eponymous school in 1972, including Amy Winehouse, Rita Ora and Billie Piper.

Taking to Instagram to share a snap with her former teacher, Emma described Sylvia as a ‘life-changer’, calling her time at her school as ‘some of the best days of her life.’

She captioned her post: ‘Heartbroken today. Sylvia Young is the reason I can say that I loved my school days. They were some of the best times in my life and she looked after all her young’uns’!

‘She was an amazing women, she was a presence, a light, and for me, a life-changer.

‘She had a way of seeing the best in everyone, lifting us all, with her wisdom, kindness, and unwavering belief in potential, Sylvia gave me more than just encouragement she gave me a sense of direction and the courage to follow it.

‘She didn’t just live in this world she grew with it.

‘Thinking of her family so much today and sending all my love and hugs to Norman, Frances, Alison and all the beautiful grandchildren. ❤️

‘She will always continue to inspire me every day. I carry her words, her warmth, and her legacy with me. And I always will.

‘Thank you, Sylvia. You were and always will be so special to me.’

Meanwhile Tom, who also attended Sylvia’s school before joining McFly, posted a snap of her attending his wedding to wife Giovanna in 2012.

In his moving caption, he revealed that he and his wife first met while they were attending Sylvia’s school, and credited her for ‘changing his life.’

He wrote: ‘Absolutely heartbroken to hear that Sylvia has passed away. Sylvia changed my life. I first met her when I was 9 years old when I went into her office halfway through a term, hoping for a place at her school. 

‘She asked me to sing ”Where Is Love?” and then told me to get a uniform, I could start the school on Monday!

‘Her school is a magical place. She helped so many of us not only fulfil our dreams but created a school environment where we were all happy. 

‘I was so lucky to have spent my childhood in that special place and under her guidance. It wasn’t a school, it was a family.

‘Giovanna and I would never have met if it wasn’t for Sylvia, and I think she forgave us on our wedding day for all the times we were caught kissing in the corridors around the school.

‘Like all of her ex-students, Sylvia has always stood by me, supporting everything I’ve done and I hope I made her proud.

‘She was one of a kind. My heart and thoughts go out to Norman, all of Sylvia’s family and friends, and to everyone that knew her.’

Daughter and West End star Frances Ruffelle – the mother of pop star Eliza Doolittle – announced on Wednesday her mother died peacefully surrounded by her family.

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.’

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.’

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.’