Keeping Up Appearances star Patricia Routledge dies at 96

Actress Dame Patricia Routledge, known for playing Hyacinth Bucket in classic TV sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, has died at the age of 96, her agent has said.

She also starred in Alan Bennett's TV monologues and played BBC One's crime-busting Hetty Wainthropp.

Her agent said in a statement to the PA Media news agency: "We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of Dame Patricia Routledge, who died peacefully in her sleep this morning surrounded by love.

"Even at 96-years old, Dame Patricia's passion for her work and for connecting with live audiences never waned, just as new generations of audiences have continued to find her through her beloved television roles."

Dame Patricia was best known as Hyacinth Bucket - pronounced "bouquet" - a comic creation who embodied the extremes of English pretension and snobbery.

"She's an absolute monster and I enjoyed playing her enormously," the actress said.

Keeping Up Appearances ran from 1990 to 95, and the following year she was voted the nation's most popular actress at the BBC's 60th anniversary awards.

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