On Friday’s instalment of Loose Women, ITV viewers saw panellist Kaye Adams make a tragic announcement minutes into the show.

During the latest episode of Loose Women, ITV viewers were told the heartbreaking news that a beloved actress had died.

This comes after the show suffered a huge blunder this week, leaving one presenter red-faced.

As Friday’s show began, Kaye commented: “We want to remember Dame Patricia Routledge, who has died at the age of 96.

“We all loved her as the hilariously snobbish Hyacinth Bouquet, Hyacinth Bucket, in Keeping Up Appearances. So from all of us here at Loose, we are sending our best to her loved ones.

“She will be missed, she’s a true legend.” As Kaye finished her tribute, the live audience burst into a round of applause.

Kaye Adams issued a heartbreaking announcement on Friday’s show (Image: ITV)

The actress played the hilarious Hyacinth Bucket in the BBC sitcom for five series as it ran from 1990 until 1995.

Her agent told the PA news agency on Friday that Patricia died ‘peacefully’ in her sleep and was surrounded by her loved ones.

A statement 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.

Patricia Routledge has died at the age of 96 (Image: GETTY)

“She will be dearly missed by those closest to her and by her devoted admirers around the world.”

Since the news of her death, tributes have been pouring in for the late star, who also appeared in the likes of Steptoe and Son and Coronation Street.

Jon Petrie, the BBC’s director of comedy, praised Patricia, calling her an actor of ‘remarkable range’

He said: “Her portrayal of Hyacinth Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances has to be one of the most iconic performances in British comedy,” he said.

Patricia Routledge was best known for her role in Keeping Up Appearances (Image: BBC)

“She took a character on the page and gave her such truth, precision and warmth that Hyacinth became part of the national conversation; instantly recognisable, endlessly quotable, and loved around the world.

“Whatever she did, she brought impeccable craft, and in doing so inspired generations of writers, performers and audiences.”

Loose Women is available to watch on ITVX.

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