Patricia Routledge dead: Keeping Up Appearances legend | UK News

Actress Patricia Routledge has died aged 96, her agent has confirmed. The legendary star was best identified for her comical portrayal of snobby Hyacinth Bucket, which she famously pronounced “bouquet”, in hit sitcom Keeping Up Appearances.

In a assertion, Dame Patricia’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.”

Tributes have been pouring in for the late star online. Posting to X/Twitter, one fan penned: “RIP Dame Patricia Routledge, who has passed away at the age of 96 – a truly brilliant actress x”.

Another echoed: “RIP Hyacinth Bucket aka Patricia Routledge. Thanks for all the laughs,” while a third wrote: “So devastated to hear the wonderful Dame Patricia Routledge has passed away. I cherish the afternoon we got to spend together just last summer. A true icon known for Mrs Bouquet and Broadway.”

Keeping Up Appearances ran from 1990 to 1995 and Patricia received a British Comedy Award for Best Comedy Actress for her efficiency on the show. In her own phrases, she described the character as “grotesque” but couldn’t help but love her.

Before touchdown the long-lasting function in the sitcom, Patricia had already spent 40 years in the limelight in roles from Coronation Street to Broadway musicals, with co-stars from Sidney Poitier to Jerry Lewis.

In 2017, Patricia was made a Dame thanks to her providers to leisure and charity. Dame Patricia was also voted BBC Television Personality of the Year in 1992 and, awarded an OBE the next 12 months.

Then she was voted Britain’s favorite actress during the sixtieth anniversary awards for the BBC. In 2004, she added another accolade to her belt as the late Queen Elizabeth introduced the star with an MBE.

Patricia never married and leaves behind no youngsters, which she put down to her dedication to her profession. She beforehand admitted: “I didn’t make a decision not to be married and not to be a mother -– life just turned out like that because my involvement with acting was so total.

“Now I think it’s a pity I didn’t have children. But I’m not sure you can have a career and a family and do both satisfactorily. I always knew, deep down, that everything has a cost.”

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