Tributes have poured in for legendary actress Dame Patricia Routledge, who has died at 96. The star is best known for her iconic role as Hyacinth Bucket in the beloved BBC sitcom, Keeping Up Appearances. Just months before her death, the actress opened up about her unforgettable portrayal in the cherished series, which also featured Clive Swift, Geoffrey Hughes, and Judy Cornwell. Although the show concluded in 1995, it continues to resonate with audiences, as many have quoted the eccentric character in their tributes.

Earlier this year, Patricia opened up about the comedy and how it "made a great difference" to viewers, especially those experiencing challenging periods in their lives. Speaking in the Channel 5 documentary, Keeping Up Appearances: 30 Years of Laughs, she explained: "There are people who can't really get beyond Keeping Up Appearances if they think about me, but it did make a great difference, and I do get the most wonderful letters. I'm very grateful for that because you realise how important it is to have made people happy." The actress shared: "I remember a wonderful letter some years ago from a little lady and she felt that the world had really come to an end."

The actress reflected: "She said that she made herself a cup of tea and sat down and put the television set on and then she said, 'There you were'. It just helped me get through a very, very difficult time. It makes it all thoroughly worthwhile."

The performer also revealed that Keeping Up Appearances had earned praise from distinguished figures, including members of the Royal Family and religious leaders.

During the documentary, she disclosed: "We were one of the Queen Mother's favourite sitcoms, which was lovely, and the Queen enjoyed it, too. Hyacinth would have been flattered beyond words, and why not."

Patricia chose to bring the sitcom to a close at the age of 77, leaving the BBC deeply disappointed.

Speaking on BBC Four's Patricia Routledge Remembers, she explained: "I thought the writer was beginning to recycle old ideas. And also, remembering the glorious Ronnie Barker, he always stopped when he was at the height of something and he always left with people saying, 'Oh, aren't you doing any more?' Rather than people saying, 'Is that still on?'".

"That's the place to be, really, and I had other adventures to explore. I'm an actress, and I wanted to take on the stories of other people."

At the time, Patricia also revealed what originally attracted her to the role of Hyacinth, stating: "I had opened the script for a moment at one o'clock in the morning, read straight through and Hyacinth leapt off the page.

"I knew that woman, I knew several of that woman," she added with a laugh.

Following the programme's end, Patricia went on to excel in other notable parts, including Hetty Wainthropp in the BBC's Hetty Wainthropp Investigates and on stage as Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest.

In a heartbreaking statement on Friday (October 3), Dame Patricia’s agent confirmed her tragic death and 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 added: "RIP Patricia Routledge. She has departed for the great Candlelight Supper in the sky."

A third echoed: " RIP Dame Patricia Routledge. Thankyou for many years of wholesome family viewing and giggles in front of the TV." As one fan shared: "Rest In Peace Dame Patricia Routledge. Keeping Up Appearances was one of my favourite sitcoms ever."