Routledge saddened by news of Hughes' death
Patricia Routledge is "very, very sad" about the death of Geoffrey Hughes last week.
The 83-year-old actress played stuffy Hyacinth Bucket in TV series 'Keeping Up Appearances' alongside Geoffrey – who died of prostate cancer on Friday – and she has proclaimed him a "true professional" actor who always did his job well.
She said: "I felt very, very sad. He was a most lovable man, just delightful and great fun to work with.
"He had a tremendous battle with the dreaded disease and I spoke to him a couple of times and he was positive and courageous. He did try to beat it and there were times when he did beat it over the last few years but it finally won.
"He was just wonderful to have around. He never made a fuss and just got on with the work. He was a true professional."
Geoffrey – who was also famous for playing Eddie Yeats in 'Coronation Street' and Vernon Scripps in 'Heartbeat' – was first diagnosed with the disease in 1996 before going into remission after surgery.
However, the disease returned and he suffered a stroke, causing him to lose mobility.
Judy Cornwell, who played his wife Daisy in 'Keeping Up Appearances' added although the death was a shock, it was not a "surprise".
She added: "He suffered a stroke a couple of years ago and lost mobility so he was in a wheelchair for some time. I knew he had been very ill so although his death came as a shock it was not a surprise."
Geoffrey is survived by his wife Sue.
