EastEnders: Bobby Beale leaves Walford
Sylvia Syms, the EastEnders actress who tragically passed away at the beginning of last year, left over a million pounds in her will.
The BAFTA-nominated star, recognised for her portrayal of Olive Woodhouse on the BBC soap from 2007 to 2010 and roles in Peak Practice and At Home with the Braithwaites, died in January 2023, aged 89, just three weeks after her birthday.
Affectionately known as the Grand Dame of British Cinema, Sylvia enjoyed a successful film career spanning from the mid-1950s to the mid-1960s.
Upon her death, she left an impressive £1.43 million fortune, with parts of the money being donated to acting schools and charities.
The majority of the cash was left to her two children, Ben and Beatie, both of whom have pursued careers in the entertainment industry like their mother.
Details of her will have now been disclosed, revealing that Sylvia generously gifted £5,000 to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art school in London and donated £2,000 each to charities Intermission and Age UK.
As reported by The Sun: "Close friend and adviser Peter Stephens and other pals chosen by her family were also offered the chance to pick a painting from her personal collection."
According to the Mirror, Sylvia "died peacefully" at Denville Hall, a care home in London dedicated to those in the entertainment industry, reports the Daily Star.
The children of a beloved mother confirmed her passing in a touching statement, saying: "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 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."
A spokesperson for EastEnders paid tribute to departed star Syms on behalf of the show, sharing: "We are deeply saddened to hear that Sylvia Syms has passed away. Our love and thoughts are with Sylvia's family and friends."
In her 2017 discussion with Mirror, the late actress delved into her apprehensions concerning aging and the shifting landscape of her world during her lifetime.
Her comments included pointed remarks on the impact of Brexit on healthcare: "When I was last in hospital (in 2014 for pneumonia), the nurses were all European.
"But now they are all giving it up because of Brexit. The medical profession is definitely heading towards a crisis. I'm scared of getting ill now and having to go to hospital."
Commenting on the challenges faced by care workers, she added: "What scares me terribly is the number of young people who have done all this training.
"They then have 10 minutes with someone to put on a bit of toast and have to drive across a city to see the next person.
"It's terrible. And the stupid thing is they won't pay properly. Those in the old people's homes are paid awfully. So, therefore - are you expecting them to care?"
