PATRICIA ROUTLEDGE, BEST known for her role as Hyacinth Bucket in the classic sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, has died at the age of 96. The sitcom, which ran from 1990 to 1995, was a huge hit with audiences on both sides of the Irish Sea. “We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of Dame Patricia Routledge, who died peacefully in her sleep this morning surrounded by love,” her agent said. 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. She studied English at Liverpool University where she appeared in student shows, later making her professional debut at the Liverpool Playhouse.