Grange Hill actress Cleo Sylvestre's agent has confirmed her passing this afternoon, with tributes pouring in for the trailblazer who became the first black star to play a leading role at the National Theatre. Her agent told the BBC today: “Much loved and admired by her peers, she will be remembered as a trailblazer and a true friend. She will be sorely missed by so many. We ask that you respect the privacy of her family at this difficult time.”

Her daughter, Zoe Palmer, took to Twitter this afternoon to pay tribute, telling her followers: “Our beloved, inspirational mum @CleoSylvestre crossed over this morning. With thanks to the teams @NHSHomerton and #therlh who cared for her so brilliantly over the past three weeks. Rest in power, mum, see you on the dance floor.”

Throughout her distinguished career, Cleo featured in popular television series such as Grange Hill and the recent Channel 5 reboot of All Creatures Great and Small. Her agency, Fulcrum Talent, told BBC News that she will be "sorely missed by so many".

In addition to her acting career, Cleo also explored music, releasing To Know Him Is to Love Him in 1964, with backing vocals provided by The Rolling Stones. She had befriended the legendary band during a blues night in Soho, reports The Mirror.

Only last month, Cleo appeared on The Antiques Roadshow, sharing fond memories of her time with the iconic rock 'n' roll group. The late actress had promoted her appearance on the BBC show via her Twitter page.

She also appeared in ITV's Platform 7, tweeting on 26th August, “AFTER @BBC_ARoadshow yesterday, am also in some episodes of this,” as she shared reviews of the drama.

Tributes have poured in on social media for the late actress, with playwright Bonnie Greer tweeting: “The actor #CleoSylvestreMBE has crossed over. She was one of the reasons that—from my vantage point in NYC—I thought this country has the best anglophone theatre... and the best place to be a #BlackWoman in it. I still think that. Thank you, Cleo!”

A fan shared a collection of photos of Cleo, writing: “RIP Cleo Sylvestre. One of the first black actresses to have a role in a British soap, Crossroads, in the 1960s. #CleoSylvestre @motelcrossroads Sad to hear this. Pity none of her episodes are available to watch from Crossroads.”

Another fan added: “The wonderful Cleo Sylvestre MBE passed away early this morning, 1945–2024. Despite a very challenging upbringing, she stepped into the limelight as an actress and singer who radiated modest charm and joy wherever she went. She will be greatly missed.”

Born in April 1945, Cleo grew up and was educated in Camden, north London. She launched her acting career and made her first appearance on the West End at Wyndham's Theatre in Simon Gray’s 1967 play Wise Child.

Cleo broke barriers as the first black woman to take a leading role in a National Theatre production when she starred in Peter Nichols' satire The National Health in 1969.

Her television roles spanned popular series like Till Death Us Do Part, Doctors, Coronation Street, The Bill, New Tricks, and Doctor Who, as well as a regular role in the school drama Grange Hill. Her filmography includes My Lover My Son (1970), Till Death Us Do Part (1969), Kidulthood (2006), and Paddington (2014).

She frequently collaborated with Ken Loach, appearing in his debut film Poor Cow, and later in Cathy Come Home and Up the Junction. After featuring in Some Women, a dramatisation of real-life stories from imprisoned women that aired on BBC Two, she caught the attention of television producer Reg Watson, who cast her in ITV's Crossroads.

In the soap opera, she portrayed Meg Richardson’s adopted daughter, Melanie, from 1970 to 1972. At its peak, Crossroads attracted approximately 15 million viewers, catapulting Sylvestre into the national spotlight.

Cleo was honoured as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2023 New Year Honours for her contributions to drama and charity. She married Ian Palmer in 1977, and they had three children together before parting ways in 1995. Their children include writer and television presenter Zoe, and Lucy and Rupert Palmer.