THE directors of a theatre school in Leigh have paid an emotional tribute to former student, Louella Michie, whose body was tragically found at music festival on her 25th birthday.

Chriss and Tiffany Campbell-Welch of the Tiffany Theatre College in London Road said Louella was a very special part of their college and they are absolutely devastated to hear the news of her death.

The model and dancer - the daughter of TV actor John Michie and goddaughter of comedy star Richard Wilson - studied at the school for three years and graduated in 2012.

In a statement Chriss and Tiffany said: “Louella was a very gifted student, a beautiful young lady with a sweet soul who was well loved by everyone, peers and mentors alike.

“She had a wonderful ability to light up the room with her smile and make everyone feel happy. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with the Michie family at this sad time.”

Louella’s body was found at the Bestival music festival held at Lulworth Castle in Dorset in the early hours of Monday. A 28-year-old man from London has been arrested by Dorset Police on suspicion of murder, however Louella’s father John, 60, has stressed that he does not believe his daughter was murdered.

“We’ve lost our angel”, he told the Sun newspaper.

“They were boyfriend and girlfriend. She touched so many lives. She was so very positive, so bright, so out there. She had such energy.

“The tributes to her have been incredible.”

John played Karl Munro in Coronation Street from 2011 to 2013, and also starred as Detective Inspector Robbie Ross in drama series Taggart.

He currently plays neurosurgeon Guy Self in BBC’s Holby City. Police at the four-day music festival were alerted just before 1am on Monday to concerns for the welfare of Louella.

Following a search Louella’s body was then discovered in a wooded area of the festival site.

One Foot in the Grave actor Richard Wilson had a statement issued on his behalf which read: “Richard Wilson, Louella’s godfather, was very, very attached to her and does not feel able to comment at this present time.”

Mr Michie and Mr Wilson are believed to have first met on the set of period drama film A Passage To India in 1984. Since graduating from TTC in Leigh Louella had established herself as a model and professional dancer.

A post-mortem has reveleaed no clear signs of an assualt but further examinations including a toxioclogy test will take place.

A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of supplying a controlled drug.

He remains in custody under caution.