Celebrities have paid tribute to CBBC star Mya-Lecia Naylor, who recently died at the age of 16.
Mya-Lecia, whose death was announced by her family on Wednesday, will be recognisable to TV fans thanks to her stints in shows including Almost Never and Millie Inbetween.
In Almost Never, she starred alongside The Inbetweeners actress Emily Atack, who was one of the first people to share a tribute online.
Posting a picture of Mya-Lecia on Instagram, Emily wrote alongside it: “So shocked and sad to hear about lovely Mya-Lecia Naylor. She was a beautiful and talented girl.
“A complete joy to be around on the set of Almost Never. Sending all my love to her family & friends. Rest in peace beautiful girl x.”
Game Of Thrones star Nathalie Emmanuel also shared a message, explaining that she has the management company as the young star.
“Although I did not know her personally, I wanted to send my condolences to her family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time,” she said.
Paul Rose, the writer of Almost Never, said he had been penning scripts for the show that feature her character in recent months, “all featuring Mya’s character”.
“Far too young, and a huge loss for all on the show,” he tweeted. “My heart goes out to her family.”
Other BBC personalities were also among those to offer their condolences:
In the wake of Mya-Lecia’s death, the BBC has flagged its guidelines for young people and children upset by the news.
In their statement, Mya-Lecia’s family said the actor died on Sunday April 7. The cause of her death has not been confirmed.
A statement posted to the BBC’s website described Naylor as a “hugely talented actress, singer and dancer”.
It read: “We are so sorry to have to tell you that Mya-Lecia, who you will know from “Millie Inbetween” and “Almost Never” has, very sadly, died.
“Mya-Lecia was a much loved part of the BBC Children’s family, and a hugely talented actress, singer and dancer.
“We will miss her enormously and we are sure that you will want to join us in sending all our love to her family and friends.”
