A RARELY-SEEN 90s sitcom star has surprised diners after being spotted at a restaurant 31 years after the show ended.
The 95-year-old, who played snobby character Hyacinth Bucket in the prime time series which ran from 1990 to 1995, has since quit acting.
She made her film debut in 1967 alongside singer Lulu and actor Sidney Poitier, as teacher Clinty Clintridge.
She later scored household fame when she played Keeping Up Appearances’ iconic character Hyacinth Bucket – of course pronounced bouquet – for the show’s five-year running.
It is of course Dame Patricia Routledge, and she was spotted dining at Chez Moi in Bognor Regis, much to the delight of staff.
Patricia was photographed in good spirits, wearing a black top, floral jacket and beads as she posed with chef and owner Michael Newton-Young.
Proud owner Michael posted the photo to his Instagram, writing: “When a Dame came for dinner.”
Fans in the comments were delighted, as one person penned: “Hyacinth!!!! :-)” and a second added: ““Bouquet Residence! The Lady of the House speaking!” Holy crap she gave us so much joy!”
Dame Patricia role as Hyacinth was one that she played for five series and four Christmas specials and captured audiences all across the world.
The actress then went on to play an amateur detective in Hetty Wainthropp Investigates and multiple theatre roles.
Patricia starred in Talking Heads, a series of dramatic monologues written for the BBC by acclaimed playwright Alan Bennett.
He wrote three especially for her – A Lady of Letters, Miss Fozzard Finds her Feet and A Woman of No Importance.
Despite her age and a career spanning more than 70 years, the star still looks incredibly youthful.
In 2017, Patricia, who has never married and does not have children, was made a Dame thanks to her services to entertainment and charity.
She is a patron of the Beatrix Potter Society and in 2008 received a Doctors of Letters degree from Lancaster University for her contribution to drama and theatre.
