CBBC star Mya-Lecia Naylor dies suddenly aged 16

18 April 2019, 09:58 | Updated: 18 April 2019, 10:03

CBBC children's TV star Mya-Lecia Naylor has died suddenly at just 16-years-old.

Mya-Lecia, who appeared alongside Tom Hanks in film Cloud Atlas, collapsed and died on April 7 her agents A&J Management have confirmed.

The young actress starred in CBBC shows Millie Inbetween and Almost Never, with the broadcaster describing the young actress in a statement as "hugely talented."

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Our thoughts are with Mya-Lecia’s family, friends and everyone that loved her at this very sad time. RIP Mya-Lecia ❤️⁣ ⁣ Message from CBBC:⁣ ⁣ MYA-LECIA ⁣NAYLOR 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. ⁣ ⁣ We know this news is very upsetting, and it may help to share how you are feeling with friends or a trusted adult. If you are struggling and there is no one you feel you can talk to about it, you can call @Childline_official on 0800 11 11.⁣ ⁣ You can also find an online condolence book on the CBBC website.

A post shared by Almost Never (@almostnevershow) on Apr 17, 2019 at 8:01am PDT

The BBC said: ‘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.

"We know this news is very upsetting, and it may help to share how you are feeling with friends or a trusted adult.

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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

A post shared by Emily Atack (@emilyatackofficial) on Apr 17, 2019 at 11:24am PDT

"If you are struggling and there is no one you feel you can talk to about it, you can call Childline on 0800 11 11."

Mya-Lecia's representatives A&J Management said: "It is with the deepest sorrow we have to announce that on Sunday 7th April Mya-Lecia Naylor, very sadly, died.

"Mya-Lecia was hugely talented and a big part of A&J, we will miss her greatly. Our love and thoughts are with all her family and friends at this difficult time."

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rip Mya Lecia Naylor😭💔 you will be missed by so many and so much🌎 i will always love you x • • #almostnever #cbbc #myalecia

A post shared by rip mya lecia naylor💔🙏 (@almostneverforeverxo) on Apr 17, 2019 at 12:21pm PDT

Actress Emily Attak, who starred with Mya-Lecia in Almost Never, lead tributes to her on social media: "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."

Matt Leys, writer for CBBC show Millie Inbetween, said: "Goodbye our brilliant, funny, lovely Fran.

"You were a miracle.

"Watching the cast of Millie Inbetween grow with their characters, inform them, let us write it around them, has been an absolute joy. This is such awful, devastating news."

Mya-Lecia had said in an interview shortly before her death that she had "amazing projects" coming up that she was excited about and she had always wanted to sing and act.

The talented actress' first TV role as a toddler was playing Saffie's daughter Jane in Absoutely Faboulous and she also starred as the lead role in TV show Tati's Hotel.