Sylvia Syms has died at age 89.
EastEnders star Sylvia Syms has died
The actress was known for having played dressmaker Olive Woodhouse in BBC soap opera 'EastEnders' between 2007 and 2010 but her children Beatie and Ben Edney confirmed on Friday (27.10.23) that she had passed away "peacefully" that morning.
In a statement, they 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."
Sylvia – who was married to Alan Edney from 1956 until 1989 - had been living at Denville Hall, a care home in London for those in the entertainment industry, at the time of her death and her children went on to thank the home for the care they had provided their mother until her death.
The statement continued: "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."
As well as her role in 'EastEnders', Sylvia also made appearances on BBC media drama 'Casualty' and starred alongside 'New Tricks' actress Amanda Redman and late 'Loose Women' legend Lynda Bellingham in Sally Wainwright's drama 'At Home with the Braithwaites', from 2000 until 2003 where she played the close friend and confidant of a woman who attempts to keep her lottery win a secret from her family.
On film, Sylvia appeared as the Queen Mother in 2006 biopic ‘The Queen', alongside Dame Helen Mirren in the title role of the late Queen Elizabeth, and starred opposite supermodel Cara Delevingne in 'Timeless' in 2014 but her most notable role on the silver screen was perhaps Sister Diana Murdoch opposite Sir John Mills in the 1958 war drama 'Ice Cold in Alex.'
Her final on-screen appearance came in 2019, when she played Mrs Rawson in BBC historical drama 'Gentleman Jack.'
Tagged in Lynda Bellingham Amanda Redman