
The Doctor Who actress complained about the principal in her recent autobiography, claiming that she was pressurised to become thin and that many pupils suffered eating disorders if they were ignored by staff.
But Van Outen has defended the school and insisted that Piper was putting a "negative spin" on drama schools that could deter future pupils from getting into the entertainment business.
The TV presenter told The Stage: "I was a big Billie Piper fan, but in her book she was very negative about Sylvia and the school and I think that is wrong and unfair. If it was not for Sylvia, she would not be where she is. And she really wouldn’t be where she is because she got all her breaks during her schooling years. I think people should always remember that.
"I am not knocking Billie because I like her and I think she is a great actress, but by saying that, she is preventing other children and people going into the industry. She is giving it a negative spin. You think, ‘You are still in the business and enjoying it, so don’t do that - don’t put people off’."
Earlier this year, Sylvia Young spoke out about Piper's comments and claimed she was "very offended" by the "poisonous" words.





