Dame Patricia Routledge, one of the most beloved figures in British television history, has made a rare public appearance that has left fans delighted. Just months before her 96th birthday, the actress, best known for her portrayal of the social-climbing Hyacinth Bucket in the iconic sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, was seen in a recent photo with chef Michael Newton-Young.

The photo, taken after a visit to Newton-Young’s restaurant, Chez Moi, in the seaside town of Bognor Regis, has captured the attention of fans and admirers alike, many of whom have not seen the television legend in the public eye for some time.

The photo marks a special moment for Dame Patricia, who, despite retiring from acting a decade ago, remains a cherished figure in the entertainment world. Newton-Young, who opened the doors of his restaurant specifically for the 96-year-old actress, described her as “bright as a button” and “sharp as a tack.”

“She’s completely compos mentis—brilliant and lovely,” he said after the occasion, which saw Dame Patricia enjoying a delicious meal of pork belly and tarte tatin with her carers. Her vitality and sharpness were immediately evident, providing a glimpse of the woman behind the iconic character of Hyacinth Bucket, who made millions of viewers laugh during the 1990s.

Routledge’s appearance in Bognor Regis is a testament to her enduring charm and wit, even as she enjoys a quieter life in retirement. While her days of acting on television have long since passed—her last television film appearance was in Anybody’s Nightmare in 2001—Dame Patricia’s legacy as an actress remains unparalleled.

Her portrayal of Hyacinth Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances solidified her as one of Britain’s greatest comedic talents. The sitcom, which ran from 1990 to 1995, catapulted her to fame, with her hilarious portrayal of a pretentious, social-climbing woman providing much-needed comedy and heart.

Hyacinth’s quest for social superiority, her endless pursuit of self-improvement, and her knack for embarrassing herself in the most ludicrous ways struck a chord with audiences around the world, earning Routledge two BAFTA nominations and a British Comedy Award.

Though Keeping Up Appearances remains her most recognized role, Dame Patricia’s career spans far beyond that one sitcom. Throughout the decades, she has graced both the stage and screen with roles that have showcased her immense versatility.

She made her professional debut in the theater in 1952, and since then, she has amassed an impressive body of work in both musical theater and straight drama. In 2000, she famously said, “Theatre is the test. It is the exchange of an imaginative experience in the immediacy of the moment.

There is nothing like it in the world.” This passion for live performance was evident in her long and distinguished career, which included everything from Gilbert and Sullivan operettas to her memorable turn as Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest.

Despite her success on screen and stage, Dame Patricia’s love for music was evident throughout her career. As a young girl, she dreamed of becoming a singer, but it was acting that ultimately called to her.

“I was a big, bouncing girl with a big, bouncing voice, and I loved music,” she recalled, noting that her passion for performance was evident even at an early age. Her first ambition was to become a “very avant-garde headmistress with a red sports car and romances all over Europe,” but as she grew older, she realized that acting was the path she was destined for.

Her acting career flourished with roles in television series like Hetty Wainthropp Investigates and various stage productions. Her portrayal of Hetty, a determined amateur detective, in the BBC series from 1996 to 1998 proved that she was more than capable of moving beyond her most famous role as Hyacinth.

Routledge’s experience in the theater remained a crucial part of her professional identity, with her performances on stage always carrying an undeniable spark of energy and commitment.

In 2014, she returned to the stage in a celebrated production of Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband at Chichester Festival Theatre, reminding audiences of her considerable talent and the lasting impact she had on the stage. Even in her 80s, Dame Patricia showed no signs of slowing down.

Though she is now living a more private life in retirement, Dame Patricia’s influence is still felt. Fans across the world continue to admire her work, especially her portrayal of the unforgettable Hyacinth Bucket. Her legacy as a comedic genius and stage star has shaped British television and theater for generations.

As she enjoys the peaceful life of retirement, surrounded by good friends and the comforts of a small seaside town, Dame Patricia Routledge remains an enduring icon of British entertainment.

Her recent appearance at Chez Moi serves as a reminder that even after decades in the spotlight, Patricia Routledge’s sharp wit, warmth, and enthusiasm are as present as ever. As she approaches her 96th birthday, her fans can only continue to appreciate the joy and laughter she has brought into their lives.