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Star Dame Patricia Routledge, renowned for embodying Hyacinth Bucket in the beloved television comedy the series Keeping Up Appearances, has died at the age of 96, as confirmed by.

Additionally, she featured in monologues by Alan Bennett and portrayed BBC One's amateur sleuth Hetty Wainthropp.

"We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Patricia Routledge, who passed away peacefully in her sleep today surrounded by love."

"Despite her advanced years, her passion for her work and for connecting with live audiences never waned, just as new generations have continued to find her through her cherished screen performances."

The announcement continued: "She will be dearly missed by her inner circle and by her loyal fans worldwide."

A Life in the Spotlight

Dame Patricia was most famous as Hyacinth Bucket - pronounced "bouquet" - a humorous character who embodied the height of British social climbing.

"She's an absolute monster and I enjoyed playing her immensely," the actress said.

The series Keeping Up Appearances was broadcast from 1990 until 1995, and a year later she was named the most beloved female performer at the BBC anniversary ceremony.

Beyond television, she found acclaim both live and recorded after beginning her professional life in the stage in the 1950s.

With performances in London's West End, she built a reputation in the America when she was awarded the Tony for best lead actress in a musical on Broadway in New York for the musical Darling of the Day in 1968.

She was as adept at dramatic roles as she was at light entertainment - she appeared in Shakespeare's histories at the RSC, then earned an Laurence Olivier Award for outstanding musical performance for Candide in the 1980s decade.

That decade also marked her rise as a television icon - landing appearances by Victoria Wood in As Seen on TV, and writer Alan Bennett in three of his renowned Talking Heads monologues, including 1988's A Lady of Letters, for which she earned a Bafta award nomination.

She garnered two further Bafta nominations, for Keeping Up Appearances, in 1992 and 93, then took the lead in the main character as a senior citizen on a journey into detective work in Hetty Wainthropp between 1996 to 1998.

She received an OBE in 1993, a CBE in the 2000s, and a dame in 2017.

A Lasting Legacy

Through her unforgettable roles, Dame Patricia Routledge delivered humor and entertainment to millions, establishing a rich career portfolio that will continue to be celebrated by fans into the future.