Actress Patricia Routledge has died aged 96, her agent has confirmed. The legendary star was best known for her comical portrayal of snobby Hyacinth Bucket, which she famously pronounced “bouquet”, in hit sitcom 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. 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 have been pouring in for the late star online. Posting to X/Twitter, one fan penned: "RIP Dame Patricia Routledge, who has passed away at the age of 96 - a truly brilliant actress x".

Another echoed: "RIP Hyacinth Bucket aka Patricia Routledge. Thanks for all the laughs," while a third wrote: "So devastated to hear the wonderful Dame Patricia Routledge has passed away. I cherish the afternoon we got to spend together just last summer. A true icon known for Mrs Bouquet and Broadway."

Keeping Up Appearances ran from 1990 to 1995 and Patricia won a British Comedy Award for Best Comedy Actress for her performance on the show. In her own words, she described the character as "grotesque" but could not help but love her.

Before landing the iconic role in the sitcom, Patricia had already spent 40 years in the limelight in roles from Coronation Street to Broadway musicals, with co-stars from Sidney Poitier to Jerry Lewis.

In 2017, Patricia was made a Dame thanks to her services to entertainment and charity. Dame Patricia was also voted BBC Television Personality of the Year in 1992 and, awarded an OBE the following year.

Then she was voted Britain's favourite actress during the 60th anniversary awards for the BBC. In 2004, she added another accolade to her belt as the late Queen Elizabeth presented the star with an MBE.

Patricia never married and leaves behind no children, which she put down to her dedication to her career. She previously admitted: "I didn’t make a decision not to be married and not to be a mother -– life just turned out like that because my involvement with acting was so total.

“Now I think it’s a pity I didn’t have children. But I’m not sure you can have a career and a family and do both satisfactorily. I always knew, deep down, that everything has a cost.”