Sylvia Syms dead: EastEnders actor dies aged 89 as heartbroken family share tribute

Actress Sylvia Syms has died aged 89 at Denville Hall, a care home in London for those in the entertainment industry, her family has confirmed.

She was best known for starring in The Queen alongside Helen Mirren and her role in EastEnders as Olive Woodhouse.

The legendary actress also starred in Doctor Who and worked alongside Cara Delevingne in short film Timeless.

A statement from her children, Beatie and Ben Edney, said: "Our mother, Sylvia, died peacefully this morning.

Sylvia Syms starred as Queen Mother in The Queen
Myung Jung Kim

"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."

Syms was born in London in 1934 and attended The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.

The talented star went on to appear in films including Ice-Cold in Alex, Woman in a Dressing Gown and The Moonraker.

She later appeared as Queen Mother in hit film The Queen and received an OBE from Queen Elizabeth II in 2007.