Tributes have been paid from around the world to Olivia Newton-John, who has died from cancer aged 73.

Editor Katie Watkin's  9th August 2022

 Thousands of tributes have been paid from around the world to Olivia Newton-John, who has sadly passed away from cancer aged 73.  

  The British-born Australian singer and actress was best known for playing her inconic role as Sandy in Grease, one of the most successful film musicals ever made.  Olivia's  Grease co-star John Travolta said she "made all of our lives so much better" while its director said: "What you see is what you get with her." 

  Olivia Newton John died peacefully at her California ranch surrounded by her family and friends.    

As an actress and musician, Newton-John achieved commercial success as a country singer and sold millions of records and albums around the world.  But it was her role as high school student Sandy in the film Grease that catapulted her to worldwide fame.  

  The film was the biggest box-office hit of 1978, and gave Newton-John three huge hit singles, including You're The One That I Want and Summer Nights, both performed with co-star John Travolta.  And it was a catalyst for change in both her image and her musical direction - shedding her innocent, country-pop image. 

  Though she had little acting experience (and turned 29 during filming), Newton-John gave an indelible performance as Sandy, a sweet-natured Australian transfer student who romances Travolta's alpha greaser Danny at a Southern California high school in the 1950s. 

Their onscreen chemistry as mismatched lovebirds who undergo final-act makeovers to win each others' hearts -- she ditches her frilly dresses for heels, leather, spandex and a cigarette -- anchored the movie and inspired repeat viewings by legions of fans