Keeping Up Appearances star Dame Patricia Routledge dies aged 96She died peacefully in her sleepView 3 Images Patricia Routledge after being made a Dame for services to the theatre and charity (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)Dame Patricia Routledge, best known for her role as Hyacinth Bucket in BBC sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, has died at the age of 96, her agent said. ‌A statement to the PA news agency said: "We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of Dame Patricia Routledge, who died peacefully in her sleep this morning surrounded by love. View 3 Images Patricia onstage in London in 1966 (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)"She will be dearly missed by those closest to her and by her devoted admirers around the world." She was born in Birkenhead, Merseyside where her father was a high-class gents' outfitter where 'keeping up appearances' was the name of the game. View 3 Images Dame Patricia Routledge at her investiture by the then-Prince of Wales in 2017 (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)Article continues belowShe read English at Liverpool University where she appeared in student shows, later making her professional debut at the Liverpool Playhouse.