Much-loved Keeping Up Appearances star Dame Patricia Routledge has died, her agent has confirmed. She was 96.

In a statement, Routledge’s agent said : “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 missed by those closest to her and by her devoted admirers around the world.”

Routledge was best known for her portrayal of comedy character Hyacinth Bucket in the comedy series Keeping Up Appearances, which ran from 1990 to 1995 and followed the misadventures of the cla

See Full Page