Merseyside-born actress Dame Patricia Routledge has died at the age of 96.
Dame Patricia became best known for her role as the lead in BBC sitcom Keeping Up Appearances alongside Liverpool actors Clive Swift and Geoffrey Hughes.
Born in Birkenhead, she gained a degree with honours at the University of Liverpool in English Language and Literature before embarking on a lengthy stage career.
Her professional debut came at the city’s Playhouse theatre in a 1952 performance of ‘A Midsummer Nights Dream’ before breaking into television 15 years later.
She became an established figure in America during that time by winning a Tony Award for best lead actress in Broadway musical Darling of the Day in 1968.
Dame Patricia also won a British Comedy Award for her portrayal of Hyacinth Bucket during a five-year run of Keeping Up Appearances between 1990 and 1995.
In total she appeared in nine films, 66 television shows and 56 stage productions.
In a statement on Friday (October 3), her 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.”