Entertainment
Ice Cold In Alex and Doctor Who actress Sylvia Syms dies aged 89-Emily Bashforth-Entertainment – Metro
Her family said she died ‘peacefully.’
Sylvia Syms’ family confirmed the sad news (Picture: REX)
Actress Sylvia Syms has died at the age of 89.
The film star ‘died peacefully’ early on Friday (January 27) at Denville Hall, a care home in London for those in the entertainment industry.
Her children said the actress, who played the Queen Mother opposite Helen Mirren as Her Majesty in the 2006 film The Queen, ‘lived an amazing life.’
A statement from Beatie and Ben Edney announcing the sad news read: ‘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.’
The actress appeared as Mrs Pritchard in Doctor Who (Picture: BBC)
Her most recent role was opposite Suranne Jones in BBC’s Gentleman Jack (Picture: BBC)
Born on January 6, 1934, Syms was probably best known for her role as Sister Diana in the 1958 war film Ice Cold In Alex, which chronicled the Western Desert campaign during World War II.
Syms is also known for the 1961 film Victim, in which she starred with Sir Dirk Bogarde.Show less
She even made an appearance in much-loved sci-fi series Doctor Who, portraying Mrs Pritchard in Ghost Light.
Other roles she played were in Holby City, Casualty, and EastEnders (Picture: Wall To Wall)
She is survived by children Beatie and Ben Edney (Picture: PA)
As well in the BBC family, in 2010 she guest-starred as a patient in drama series Casualty, having played a different character in an episode from 2007.
Syms appeared as another character in Casualty’s sister series Holby City in 2003 and from 2007, had a recurring role in EastEnders, playing dressmaker Olive Woodhouse; her last appearance in the role was in July 2010.
Her most recent role was in 2019 in the BBC period drama Gentleman Jack as Mrs Rawson.
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She was awarded an OBE from Queen Elizabeth II in October 2007.
Syms is survived by her two children, including 60-year-old actress Beatie, known for Highlander and Lost Empires.
She was also the aunt of musicians Nick and Alex Webb.
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