Emily Atack shares heartfelt tribute to Mya-Lecia Naylor following CBBC co-star’s death aged just 16

CBBC and Absolutely Fabulous star Mya-Lecia Naylor died aged 16 on April 17. 

And, shortly after the news broke on Wednesday evening, her former Almost Never co-star Emily Atack paid a heartfelt tribute to Mya on Instagram.  

Sharing a picture of the teenage actress and writing: ‘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.’ 

The CBBC show Almost Never, which aired earlier this year, follows a young boy band learning to handle the highs and lows of fame after taking part in a fictional talent competition called The Spotlight.

Emily plays Meg, mum to young performers Oakley and Harry from The Wonderland, alongside presenter Tess Daly, who played the host of the talent competition. 

The BBC confirmed the devastating news of Mya’s death on Wednesday, with a statement on their website, calling the youngster a ‘much loved part of the BBC Children’s family’.  

Emotional: ‘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’

Tribute: I’m A Celebrity star Emily added: ‘Sending all of my love to her family and friends. Rest in peace beautiful girl.’

Colleagues: Mya-Lecia and Emily Atack worked together on CBBC’s Almost Never (pictured)

The BBC’s statement 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.’ 

Her Almost Never co-star Tillie Amartey took to her Instagram Stories said goodbye to her friend in a string of posts. 

Back to it: Emily’s guest appearance in CBBC’s Almost Never marked her return to acting following her stint in the jungle

Talented: As well as appearing in CBBC’s Almost Never, (pictured), she starred in BBC show Absolutely Fabulous as character Jane in 2004

Alongside a snap of them together, she wrote: ‘Rest forever in peace my beautiful angel you are loved and always will be your legacy lives on in all of us we will do you proud I promise.’ 

Next to other photos of herself with her late friend, she wrote: ‘Thank you for all the laughs and giggles these memeories are forever,’ and ‘I love you.’

She was best known for her role as Fran in CBBC’s Millie Inbetween, and was a budding model and singer.

The youngster also appeared in CBBC’s Almost Never, which featured guest appearances from Fleur East and Tess Daly, as well as Emily Atack.  

Leaving a legacy: Her Almost Never co-star Tillie Amartey took to her Instagram Stories said goodbye to her friend in a string of posts

Treasured memories: She also wrote: ‘Rest forever in peace my beautiful angel you are loved and always will be your legacy lives on in all of us we will do you proud I promise’

Loved: ‘I love you’ wrote her friend and CBBC co-star

She got her start in acting as a 2-year-old with a cameo in BBC show Absolutely Fabulous as character Jane in 2004. 

Mya also appeared in Hollywood film Cloud Atlas, which stars Tom Hanks and Halle Berry.

The official Almost Never Instagram account shared a snap of Mya, saying: ‘Our thoughts are with Mya-Lecia’s family, friends and everyone that loved her at this very sad time. RIP Mya-Lecia.’ 

The last post on Mya’s Instagram account was created eight hours before her death was confirmed. She died on April 7. 

A star in the making: She was best known for her role as Fran in CBBC’s Millie Inbetween, and was a budding model and singer