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Performer Patricia Routledge, best known for embodying Hyacinth Bucket in the classic television comedy 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 the BBC's amateur sleuth Hetty Wainthropp Investigates.

"We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of Dame Patricia Routledge, who left this world peacefully in her sleep this morning in the presence of family."

"Despite her advanced years, Dame Patricia's love for performing and for connecting with live audiences never waned, just as modern audiences are still enjoying her roles through her popular TV characters."

The statement noted: "She will be dearly missed by her inner circle and by her devoted admirers around the world."

A Life in the Spotlight

Patricia Routledge was most famous as Hyacinth Bucket - with the affected pronunciation "bouquet" - a humorous character who represented the height of English pretension and snobbery.

"She is a wonderfully awful character and I loved portraying her immensely," the star commented.

This classic sitcom ran from 1990 to 95, and soon after she was named the most beloved female performer at the BBC's 60th anniversary awards.

She also earned praise on stage as well as screen after beginning her professional life in the stage in the 1950s.

Following roles in London's West End, she established herself in the America when she was awarded the Tony Award for leading musical performer on New York theater for Darling of the Day in the late 1960s.

She was as adept at intense theater as she was at song-and-dance and humor - she performed in classic plays at the RSC, then won an theater prize for best actress in a musical for Candide in the 1980s decade.

That decade also saw her become a true national TV star - landing appearances by comedian Victoria Wood in the show As Seen on TV, and writer Alan Bennett in his acclaimed monologue series, including her Bafta-nominated role, for which she was given a Bafta award nomination.

She earned more award nominations, for her Hyacinth role, in 1992 and 1993, then starred in the main character as a older lady on a mission to investigate mysteries in BBC One's Hetty Wainthropp Investigates between 1996 to 1998.

She was made an OBE in 1993, a CBE in 2004, and a dame in 2017.

A Remarkable Life

Via her memorable characters, Dame Patricia Routledge provided comedy and joy to countless viewers, leaving behind a extensive career portfolio that will continue to be celebrated by fans into the future.