Actress Dame Patricia Routledge dies aged 96The Keeping up Appearances star was born in Tranmere and enjoyed a sparkling careerView Image Dame Patricia Routledge (Image: Colin Lane)Actress Dame Patricia Routledge, best known for TV show Keeping Up Appearances, has died aged 96, her agent said. Dame Patricia, who made her professional stage debut in 1952, was born in Tranmere. ‌In a statement, 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. Dame Patricia was born on February 17 1929 and attended Mersey Park Primary School, and subsequently Birkenhead High School where she sang in the choir and ran the Sunday School. She later went on to study at Liverpool University where she graduated with honours in English Language and Literature before attending the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and London’s Guildhall School of Music.