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Keeping Up Appearances icon Dame Patricia Routledge has died, it has been announced.

The actress became a household name with her hilarious performances as the unspeakably snobbish Hyacinth Bucket in the TV hit Keeping Up Appearances.

The show, which captivated audiences in the 1990s, attracted as many as 13 million viewers at its peak.

In a statement, Dame Patricia’s agent said on Friday (October 3): "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.

"She will be dearly

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