Mya-Lecia Naylor death: CBBC actress dies aged 16

Sixteen-year-old Mya-Lecia Naylor, star of CBBC shows Millie Inbetween and Almost Never, has died.

The death of Mya-Lecia, who also appeared in the Absolutely Fabulous TV series when she was a young child, was announced by CBBC on Wednesday night.

She passed away on Sunday.

A statement posted on the CBBC website 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.

"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."

Her agency A&J Management said in a statement: "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."

Mya-Lecia starred alongside Emily Atack , Fleur East and Tess Daly on CBBC show Almost Never.

The programme followed boyband The Wonderland and rival girl group Girls Here First as they competed on a fictional TV talent competition The Spotlight.

Game Of Thrones star Nathalie Emmanuel, who plays Missandei, said she was "very sad to hear the tragic news", adding they were both managed by the same company.

She said: "Although I did not know her personally, I wanted to send my condolences to her family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time."

I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! star Atack paid tribute on social media.

She said: "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."

Entertainment writer Amelia Stevenson also paid tribute on Twitter.

She wrote, alongside a picture with the star: "Had the pleasure of working with Mya-Lecia Naylor a few weeks ago.. she was so lovely and am saddened and shocked to hear of her passing.. thoughts are with her family and friends, she will be missed by so many... RIP Mya x"

Alice Webb, director of BBC Children's which includes CBBC, said: "We are distraught and so terribly sad to hear the news about Mya.

"She has shone so brightly on our screens, both in Millie Inbetween and Almost Never, and it's unthinkable that she won't be part of our journey going forward.

"She was hugely popular with our audience, a very talented actress, dancer and singer, and a real role model for her young fans."

Child actor Oakley Orchard, one member of The Wonderland in Almost Never, also paid tribute.

He wrote on his Instagram story: "Rest in peace to my little pink wafer. Absolutely devastated, will miss all the fun times we had together."

A message posted to the programme's Instagram account read: "Our thoughts are with Mya-Lecia's family, friends and everyone that loved her at this very sad time. RIP Mya-Lecia."

Paul Rose was a scriptwriter on Almost Never and described Naylor's death as a "huge loss".

He said: "Found out the heartbreaking news last week that Mya-Lecia Naylor has died.

"I'd been writing scripts for S2 of Almost Never since last year, all featuring Mya's character. Far too young, and a huge loss for all on the show. My heart goes out to her family."