Dame Patricia Routledge, the actress best known for playing Hyacinth Bucket in BBC sitcom Keeping Up Appearances has died at the age of 96.
Born in 1929 in Tranmere, Routledge started acting while at the University of Liverpool where she wasd an active member of the dramatic society.
On graduating she trained Bristol Old Vic Theatre School before returned to Liverpool to start her professional career at the Liverpool Playhouse.
She went on to star in numerous plays in London’s West End and Broadway, winning a Tony Award for her role in Darling of the Day and an Olivier Award for Candide.
While her main passion was for theatre acting, she found fame on the small screen, first in Keeping Up Appearances, for which she was nominated for two BAFTAs, and then for Hetty Wainthropp Investigates.
She was made a dame by Queen Elizabeth II in 2017 for her services to entertainment and charity.
9. Patricia Routledge on...spinsters
"People have always pitied spinsters. We have been derided, as if we had missed out on life. Well, we need not miss out on anything today!" | Getty Images
10. Patricia Routledge on...music lessons
"I had a voice - I had an instrument - I loved singing and I had an inspired singing teacher, Miss Sleigh. I went to her every Saturday, and I now possess the upright Steinway piano beside which I used to stand in fear and trembling if I hadn't done my breathing exercises." | Getty Images
11. Patricia Routledge on...language
"There's a fashion abroad generally to speak the language as badly as possible. I'm of a mind to start a society for the reinstatement of the letter 't' and the banishment of the glottal stop." | Getty Images
12. Patricia Routledge on...retirement
"I just want to do good work with good people in good places. And as for retirement, I can hardly spell the word. I'm driven, really. The demons won't lie down." | Getty Images