From dance to drama, Jackie Palmer was one of the leading lights in nurturing talented youngsters to world stars for decades.

She founded High Wycombe’s Jackie Palmer Stage School, which has taught the likes of James Corden and Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne.

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She would have celebrated her centenary this month, with her family announcing the news in Friday’s Bucks Free Press in a touching tribute.

Bucks Free Press:

They simply wrote: “Remembering Jackie Palmer who would have been 100-years-old on 9th January, 2021.

“We miss you so much. Love from all the family.”

The Jackie Palmer Stage School was founded by Jackie and her daughter Marylyn Phillips in 1971, with hundreds of students learning from the pair and other instructors over the years.

Bucks Free Press:

James Corden – who grew up in Hazlemere – was just one of the stars who learnt their craft at the school.

He praised Jackie and the team for their impact on his life when returning to his home in 2014 to open their Bridge Street studios.

At the time, he said: “I used to love coming here; it was the single best part of my week.

Bucks Free Press:

“It was amazing to have this place and be with like-minded people who were interested and passionate about the things I was passionate about.”

After she died in 2016, heartfelt tributes from some of the world’s best-known celebrities poured in for Jackie, with actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson saying he owed his career to her.

Bucks Free Press:

At the time, the Avengers: Age of Ultron star, who was born in High Wycombe, said: “If it hadn't been for Jackie Palmer, I wouldn't be where I am today.”