She was a true pioneer of the talent show phenomenon, and one of the youngest stars to face the harsh realities of the entertainment world.
Lena Zavaroni's story is still heartbreakingly relevant today, and a new documentary about Lena's life aired on BBC 2 earlier this month.The Scottish songstress captured hearts when she triumphed on TV's Opportunity Knocks for five consecutive weeks in 1974, leading to her stepping aside to let others have their moment.
At just 10 years old, she made history with a Top 10 UK album, later shining in her own TV series Yet, by 13, she battled anorexia nervosa and was struck by clinical depression at 15.Tragically, after undergoing surgery, she passed away from pneumonia in October 1999 at the tender age of 35.
Her poignant life story was brought to the stage by actor-turned-playwright Tim Whitnall, premiering at the Edinburgh Festival in August 2023.