Gillian Lynne death: Andrew Lloyd Webber leads tributes as Cats choreographer dies aged 92

Dame Gillian Lynne, theBritish choreographer best known for her work with Andrew Lloyd-Webber, has died aged 92.

Peter Land, Lynne’s husband, announced on Twitter that she passed away at the Princess Grace Hospital in central London on Sunday, 1 July.

“Rest In Peace my darling Gillie,” Land wrote. “She leaves behind a huge legacy and is adored by many.”

Lynne embarked on a career as a ballerina from a young age, landing a major role at the opening of the Royal Opera House on her 20th Birthday.

Going on to become a choreographer, Lynne eventually became best known for working on Lloyd-Webber hits Cats, The Phantom of the Opera, and Aspects of Love. The musical icon paid tribute on Twitter, writing: “Farewell dearest Gillie, three generations of the British musical owe so much to you.”

Last month, the original London home of Cats (The New London Theatre) was renamed the Gillian Lynne Theatre, the Dame becoming the first non-royal woman to have a West End theatre named after them. She appeared at the opening ceremony alongside Lloyd-Webber and producer Cameron Mackintosh.

Ellaine Paige, who played the original lead in Cats, also paid tribute toher ”dear friend and teacher” Lynne, writing on Twitter that she was “heartbroken”.

Lynne’s other credits include the stage adaptation of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, acting as choreographer on the Peter O’Toole starring movie adaptation of Man of La Mancha, and creating the ballet The Fool on the Hill for television.

Theatres around London's West End will dim their lights at 7pm, Monday, in remembrance.