BBC Keeping Up Appearances star Dame Patricia Routledge dies aged 96The iconic Hyacinth Bucket actress delighted millions of viewersView 3 Images Patricia was famed for her role of Hyacinth (Image: Mirrorpix, Getty 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. She played the hilariously snobbish character on the BBC programme in the early 1990s, but also had a prolific career in the theatre. ‌In a statement to the PA news agency, 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. 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. Article continues belowView 3 Images She was made a Dame in 2017 (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)