Patricia Routledge's health battles as Keeping Up Appearances legend dies

Dame Patricia Routledge, best known for her role as Hyacinth Bucket on Keeping Up Appearances, struggled with a number of health issues over the years. It was announced today by her agent that the 96-year-old 'died in her sleep this morning surrounded by love'.

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.”

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Earlier this year, the actress cancelled her appearance at the Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells due to illness.

The event, Facing The Music: Patricia Routledge in Conversation with Edward Seckerson, would have seen her "lift the curtain on the lesser-known musical side of her career".

In early June, the venue announced on social media that the show had been cancelled. She said: "We have been informed by Patricia that she will no longer be able to perform due to indisposition, resulting in a loss of vocal power and clarity.

"Patricia wanted to pass on her profound apologies for not being able to appear as planned and wanted to re-assure everyone that she was receiving excellent medical attention."

Five years ago, Dame Patricia was scheduled for a similar performance at the Chichester Festival Theatre, but was forced to cancel after suffering a fall.

A spokeswoman for Patricia said she was "deeply disappointed not to be able to appear in conversation with Edward Seckerson at the wonderful Chichester Festival Theatre".

The actress suffered a fall and was advised to rest and recover. A spokeswoman said: "Dame Patricia has suffered injury following a fall and has been advised to take a period of rest in order to speed recovery. We send her our best wishes and look forward to welcoming her back in the future.”

She was born in Birkenhead, Merseyside where her father was a high-class gents’ outfitter where ‘keeping up appearances’ was the name of the game.

She read English at Liverpool University where she appeared in student shows, later making her professional debut at the Liverpool Playhouse.

Dame Patricia was awarded an OBE in 1993, a CBE in 2004, and was made a dame in the 2017 New Year Honours.

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