HEARTBREAKING: Strictly Come Dancing star Tom Fletcher makes Emotional Announcement ‘DEEPLY SAD’
While Tom Fletcher is widely recognised as McFly’s frontman, he captivated viewers nationwide in 2021 during his stint on Strictly Come Dancing.
The 40-year-old was paired with Amy Dowden, who has recently spoken candidly about her participation following her cancer diagnosis. Tom and Amy became the eighth duo to leave the BBC dancing competition.
This week, the former Strictly contestant turned to social media to honour Sylvia Young, who established the renowned London theatre school.
News broke that the 85-year-old had d3ed “peacefully” on Wednesday morning. In a heartfelt tribute, Tom posted a photograph featuring himself with Sylvia and his spouse Giovanna from their wedding celebration.
He wrote beneath the image: “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.
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“She asked me to sing “Where Is Love? and then told me to get a uniform, I could start the school on Monday!”
Tom described Sylvia’s institution as a ‘magical place’ whilst emphasising how numerous pupils she assisted in achieving their aspirations, reports Edinburgh Live.
Referring to the school as a ‘family’, Tom expressed his gratitude for spending his formative years there.
The heartfelt tribute went on, adding: “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 who knew her.”
Tributes have been pouring in after the d3ath of Sylvia Young (Image: PA)
The touching homage quickly drew responses, with many expressing their sympathies.
One individual remarked: “She was very special. A life-changer.”
Another penned: “Changed so many lives in the entertainment industry. Knew quite a few Sylvia Young students which she helped so much. So sorry to hear this and for your loss.”
Another comment read: “So sorry Tom I’m sure she knew how loved she was by everyone and still is [sic] RIP Sylvia.”
With another adding: “I’m very sorry for your loss Tom and Gi [sic] she sounds like she was an incredible woman who inspired man.”
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Sylvia’s daughters, Alison and Frances Ruffelle, confirmed their mother’s d3ath in a statement, describing her as a ‘true visionary’.
The statement read: “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.”
