The world of TV and music united at Sylvia Young’s funeral at St. Marylebone Church on Friday morning.
Alexandra Burke, Denise Van Outen and Nicole Appleton led mourners paying tribute to the stage school pioneer.
Sylvia, who helped launch the careers of Amy Winehouse, Rita Ora, Billie Piper and Spice Girl Emma Bunton, died at the age of 85 in July.
Hollyoaks favourite Nick Pickard and EastEnders actress Molly Rainford also paid tribute to the beloved stage school star.
Daughter and West End star Frances Ruffelle – the mother of pop star Eliza Doolittle – confirmed July 30 that her mother had died peacefully surrounded by her family.
Some of Britain’s best known entertainers and singers owe their careers to the pioneering teacher, who founded her eponymous school in 1972.
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 Marylebone and then changing venues once again to a converted church in Westminster where it remains today.
Alexandra Burke (L), Denise Van Outen (R) and Nicole Appleton led mourners paying tribute to stage school pioneer Sylvia Young at her funeral on Friday
Nicole Appleton (L) joined her sister Natalie (R) at the funeral
Some of Britain’s best known entertainers and singers owe their careers to the pioneering teacher, who founded her eponymous school in 1972 (Matt Willis pictured at the funeral)
Other stars in attendance included Sadie Frost, who at the time of Sylvia’s death said: ‘What a woman, what a family, what a legacy!’
Sylvia, who helped launch the careers of Amy Winehouse, Rita Ora, Billie Piper and Spice Girl Emma Bunton, died at the age of 85 in July (pictured in 2015)
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 the school include singer Dua Lipa, presenter Denise and Tom Fletcher from McFly.
Tom was supported by his wife Giovanna Fletcher as they paid their respects at the funeral.
Denise 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’.
She has enjoyed a successful career in TV, film and theatre, performing in the West End and on Broadway.
Sylvia’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 in July.
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.
Sylvia’s pop star granddaughter Eliza Doolittle (R) carried her coffin out of St. Marylebone Church in London
Eliza held a red rose as she paid respects to her dearly-missed grandmother
Daughter and West End star Frances Ruffelle (pictured) – the mother of pop star Eliza Doolittle – confirmed July 30 that her mother had died peacefully surrounded by her family
Sylvia’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 in July
Tom – who attended Sylvia’s stage school – was supported by his wife Giovanna Fletcher at the funeral
Hollyoaks favourite Nick Pickard and EastEnders actress Molly Rainford also paid tribute to the beloved stage school star
EastEnders actress Sam Womack also paid her respects
Soap star Adam Woodyatt appeared emotional as he gathered outside the service
A host of EastEnders stars – including Michelle Collins (pictured) – attended the funeral
Perry Fenwick also made an appearance
Denise has enjoyed a successful career in TV, film and theatre, performing in the West End and on Broadway, thanks to the late star
Family members gathered outside the service
Tony Blackburn, a close friend of the late stage school star, paid his respects
Soap star Adele Silva chatted with her friends outside the funeral
EastEnders and Strictly star Jamie Borthwick arrived shortly before the service began
Friends and family gathered as her coffin went into church
‘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.’
At the time Sylvia’s death was announced, tributes flooded in for the late star.
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.
Sylvia was described by her daughter as a ‘true visionary’ who gave young people from all walks of life the chance to pursue their performing arts skills
At the time Sylvia’s death was announced, tributes flooded in for the late star
‘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.’
