Keeping up Appearances' Patricia Routledge 'humbled' as gesture summed up what she meant to WirralPatricia's agent has today announced the sad news of her deathView 2 Images Patricia Routledge (Image: PA)Dame Patricia Routledge found fame in Merseyside before she went on to become a household name with her hilarious performances as snobbish Hyacinth Bucket in the TV comedy Keeping Up Appearances. In a statement, her 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. Dame Patricia quickly established herself as a major character actress and she became known as “the female Stan Laurel”. ‌View 2 Images Hyacinth Bucket played by Patricia Routledge (Image: Mirrorpix)Dame Patricia returned to her home town in January of this year to receive Wirral’s highest honour, which is the Honorary Freedom of the Borough. Dame Patricia’s star has shone over many decades thanks to her exceptional acting and singing talents, wonderful wit, formidable intellect and incredible stamina."