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Star Dame Patricia Routledge, renowned for portraying the character Hyacinth Bucket in the classic television comedy the series Keeping Up Appearances, has left us at the 96, according to.

Beyond that, she featured in monologues by Alan Bennett and took on the role of BBC One's amateur detective Hetty Wainthropp Investigates.

"It is with great sadness to confirm the passing of Patricia Routledge, who left this world peacefully in her sleep today with loved ones near."

"Even at 96-years old, her dedication to acting and for engaging with theatergoers remained strong, just as new generations have continued to find her through her beloved TV characters."

The announcement noted: "Her absence will be deeply felt by her family and friends and by her loyal fans worldwide."

An Illustrious Career

Dame Patricia was best known as Hyacinth Bucket - with the affected pronunciation "bouquet" - a humorous character who embodied the peak of affectation and class consciousness.

"She's an absolute monster and I loved portraying her tremendously," the star remarked.

The series Keeping Up Appearances aired from the early 1990s, and soon after she was voted the most beloved female performer at the BBC's 60th anniversary awards.

Beyond television, she found acclaim on stage as well as screen after beginning her professional life in the theater in the 1950s era.

Following roles in London's West End, she built a reputation in the US when she was awarded the Tony Award for outstanding actress in a musical on Broadway for Darling of the Day in 1968.

She was as adept at serious drama as she was at musicals and comedy - she took part in Shakespeare's histories at the Royal Shakespeare Company, then won an Laurence Olivier Award for outstanding musical performance for Candide in the 1980s decade.

The 80s also saw her become a household name - being given roles by Victoria Wood in her comedy series, and writer Alan Bennett in multiple solo performances, including 1988's A Lady of Letters, for which she received a Bafta award nomination.

She garnered two further Bafta nominations, for the popular sitcom, in the early 1990s, then took the lead in the central part as a retired woman on a journey into detective work in BBC One's Hetty Wainthropp Investigates between 1996 to 1998.

She received an OBE in 1993, a Commander of the British Empire in 2004, and a dame in recent years.

An Enduring Impact

Through her iconic performances, Patricia Routledge provided comedy and entertainment to audiences worldwide, establishing a rich body of work that will continue to be celebrated by admirers for years ahead.