Sylvia Syms has died at the age of 89, her family have announced.
The legendary actress, who had roles in EastEnders and Doctor Who, “died peacefully” early on Friday at Denville Hall, a care home in London for those in the entertainment industry.
A statement from her children, Beatie and Ben Edney, said: “Our mother, Sylvia, died peacefully this morning. She has lived an amazing life and gave us joy and laughter right up to the end. Just yesterday we were reminiscing together about all our adventures. She will be so very missed.
“We would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Denville Hall for the truly excellent care they have taken of our Mum over the past year.”
Sylvia had a long-spanning acting career, which launched in 1954 when the actress was aged 19.
The talented star went on to appear in more films including Ice-Cold in Alex, Woman in a Dressing Gown and The Moonraker.
Sylvia also appeared alongside Cliff Richard in Expresso Bongo and, later in her career, she worked with Helen Mirren on hit film The Queen, where she undertook the role of the Queen Mother.
Amongst the big names Sylvia worked with is Cara Delevingne, as the pair appeared in the short film Timeless.
She also turned her hand to soap acting, as she undertook the role of Olive Woodhouse in EastEnders, first appearing on the BBC show in 2007.
Sylvia's most recent acting role was in 2019 in the BBC period drama Gentleman Jack as Mrs Rawson.
Fans have since flocked to social media to share their condolences, with one writing: "Sad news. A long life and an amazing, long career. #SylviaSyms."
With a second writing: "RIP #SylviaSyms a wonderfully brilliant actress, turning her hand to so many wonderful roles!"
"Victim is one of those films that I point to as an example of film changing society, a groundbreaking work about homosexuality in the UK by Basil Dearden RIP Sylvia Syms," tweeted a third.
Before a fourth typed: "Memorable for her horror at her husband's confession of lust for a man in Victim. She made an admirable fist of her loss of looks and figure in later life. | Actress Sylvia Syms dies aged 89."
The actress was married to Alan Edney from 1956 until 1989. She and Alan shared a daughter Beatie, 60, and a son Benjamin together.
