Dame Patricia Routledge has died at the age of 96, her agent has confirmed.
Ms Routledge found fame in the 1990s as Hyacinth Bucket in the hit BBC comedy, Keeping Up Appearances.
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.
Patricia Routledge and Alan Bennett
|PA
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“Even at 96-years old, Dame Patricia’s passion for her work and for connecting with live audiences never waned, just as new generations of audiences have continued to find her through her beloved television roles.
“She will be dearly missed by those closest to her and by her devoted admirers around the world.”
Tributes from far and wide flooded in instantly. On X, one fan penned: "Oh no! Dame Patricia Routledge has died #HyacinthBucket."
A second referenced her iconic catchphrase: "RICHARD, RICHARD, RICHARD. RIP Dame Patricia Routledge. #damepat #keepingupappearances."
Patricia Routledge's agent confirmed the news
|PA
Elsewhere, a third commented: "Awwww rip Patricia routledge aka Mrs bucket ! It's.....Bouquet !!"
And a fourth typed on X: "Sad news Patricia Routledge, famous for playing Hyacinth Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances, has died aged 96."
Another wrote: “'Bucket residence, lady of the house speaking' goodbye Dame Patricia Routledge comedy legend. I’ll never forget your Kitty either. God bless."
"Aww gutted to hear of the passing of Dame Patricia routledge, absolutely loved keeping up appearances, she was an absolute legend," a sixth penned. (sic)
Patricia Routledge
|GETTY
Ms Routledge won a British Comedy Award in 1991 for her performance in the popular series and was also nominated for two Bafta awards.
She made her acting debut at the Liverpool Playhouse in 1952. According to IMDB, the performer was voted as Britain's all-time favourite television actress, and was awarded the CBE in the 2004 Queen's Birthday Honours for her services to drama.
The actress also had a prolific career off TV screens, winning an Olivier Award for her role as the Old Lady in Leonard Bernstein's operetta Candide in 1988.
She also received a Tony Award for her role in Darling Of The Day in 1968.