British actor Patricia Routledge, best known for her role as Hyacinth Bucket in BBC sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, has died at age 96.

She played the hilariously snobbish character on the program in the early 1990s, but also had a prolific career in the theatre.

Her agent said she died peacefully in her sleep on Friday “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,” a statement to the PA news agency said.

“She will be dearly missed by those closest to her and by her devoted admirers around the world.”

Routledge won an Olivier Award for her role as the Old Lady in Leonard Bernstein’s operetta Candide

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