Keeping Up Appearances tragedies from Patricia Routledge's loss to cancer heartbreak

Keeping Up Appearances was a massive hit during the 90s. The popular BBC sitcom, which ran from 1990 to 1995, followed the antics of snobby social climber Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced bouquet), played by Dame Patricia Routledge. The leading lady sadly died aged 96 on October 3 as tributes poured in for the beloved actress. Her 70-year long career made her a household name, and in 2017 she was made a Dame for services to entertainment and charity.

Express.co.uk takes an inside look into the cast of Keeping Up Apperances from heartbreaking tragedies to a personal loss. The popular BBC show was not only successful in the UK but watched worldwide by fans in Canada, Australia and the US. Having aired for five years the sitcom is considered one of the best British sitcoms of all time.

The TV legend, who had fallen in love twice during her lifetime, opened up about a personal loss after falling for a married man.

"It took me completely by surprise, but it was enriching for both of us," she said. "It was a very blessed and beautiful thing and . . . I grew up. I felt guilt and an acute sense that there had to be loss. I suppose I convinced myself that it was all right for the time being because his marriage was not a living thing. I have met his wife since and she has a spirit as large as the universe." Patricia added his wife "knew what was going on" but admitted she had no regrets.

She found love again with a director of a play she was rehearsing for describing their romance as "joyous" before tragedy struck. Her beau died suddenly before the play opened.

Patricia said: "It was devastating. But we never possess anything or anybody - that's a great lesson to learn. And the work had to be done, had to be completed, for him, and in a strange way, although that was painful, it was also comforting.

"But the wounds stayed for a long time..."

" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-portal-copyright="Getty" data-licensor-name="Getty" /> " data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-portal-copyright="Getty" data-licensor-name="Getty" />

Shirley sadly died aged 74 just four weeks after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-portal-copyright="BBC" data-licensor-name="BBC" />