Sylvia Syms dead – The Queen and EastEnders star dies aged 89 as family pay tribute to her ‘amazing life’

ACTRESS Sylvia Syms has tragically died aged 89, her family confirmed.

The star was best known for starring in The Queen alongside Helen Mirren.

She also had a role in EastEnders as Olive Woodhouse for three years and starred alongside Cara Delevingne in short film Timeless.

Sylvia died early this morning 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 was born in London in 1934 and attended The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.

In 1958, she landed a role in film Ice Cold in Alex as Sister Diana and later that year appeared in The Moonraker.

Sylvia also starred in Expresso Bongo alongside Cliff Richard the following year.

The actress was nominated for a BAFTA for her role in The Tamarind Seed with Julie Andrews.

From 2000 to 2003, Sylvia played Marion Riley in the ITV comedy-drama series At Home with the Braithwaites.

In 2006, she was cast as the Queen Mother in blockbuster The Queen, which won Helen Mirren an Oscar.

Sylvia also had roles in a number of TV shows including drama Collision and Casualty.

Her most recent role was in 2019 in the BBC period drama Gentleman Jack as Mrs Rawson.