Patricia Routledge, beloved comedy actor, dies, aged 96

Tributes have been paid to Keeping Up Appearances star Dame Patricia Routledge, who died early yesterday, aged 96. The actor was best known for playing snobby sitcom character Hyacinth Bucket, pronounced “bouquet”, from 1990 to 1995.

- GREG EVANS

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.”

Keeping Up Appearances was a huge hit in its heyday, attracting 13 million viewers at its peak and earning the actor national acclaim. Speaking of Routledge’s role, the BBC’s director of comedy, John Petrie, said: “She took a character on the page and gave her such truth, precision and warmth that Hyacinth became part of the national conversation; instantly recognisable, endlessly quotable, and loved around the world.

“Whatever she did, she brought impeccable craft, and in doing so inspired generations of writers, performers and audiences. Dame Patricia made millions laugh and left a legacy that will always be remembered with gratitude and admiration.”

The versatile but modest star, who said she was “not very good at anything”, had a career that took her far beyond the realm of TV sitcoms. She had a long and varied life on the stage, and at the age of 66, she played the titular pensioner turned detective in Hetty Wainthropp Investigates, a £3m six-part BBC TV crime series.