I do not come from a theatrical background - my parents were Methodist Sunday school teachers and my father later became a self-employed General Draper.

I went to a local dancing school, held at St. Dunstan’s Hall pre-war and passed Grade IV RAD Ballet at the age of 10. On returning to London after a short evacuation I resumed dancing and passed my Grade V at 14. At 19 I passed the Advanced exam as a performer and at 23 I became the youngest person to pass the Advanced Teachers’ Certificate of the Royal Academy.

I opened a Dancing School on February 10, 1945 at St. Dunstan's Hall when I was 16. In 1961, June Collins began my Agency. In 1963, I opened a full time Educational School due to the many professional engagements June Collins obtained for my pupils.

In 1983 I bought the Freehold of St. Dunstan’s Hall and since then I have built several extra classrooms, studio, and also have a 200 seat theatre.

I have hundreds of former pupils in Show Business, ranging from stand-up comics, TV Presenters, Shakespearian actors, dancers and pop stars; including Brian Conley, Naomi Campbell, Keith Chegwin and Phil Collins.

I have never married or had any children, but have been incredibly lucky in the people I have had around me.

Miss Speake was awarded the MBE in the New Year's Honours 2007 for services to Drama in London.