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 amateur sleuth 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.