Keeping Up Appearances star Clive Swift has died aged 82

Keeping Up Appearances star Clive Swift, who famously played Hyacinth Bucket's long-suffering husband Richard, has sadly died aged 82.   

The classically-trained actor starred in 42 episodes of the cult British sitcom, including two shorts, from 1990-1995. 

The show, written by Roy Clarke, was a huge hit and told the story of eccentric and snobby middle class social climber, Hyacinth Bucket (Patricia Routledge).

Keeping Up Appearances star dead aged 82: Fans pay tribute to Clive Swift, (right) who was best known for playing Hyacinth Bucket's long-suffering husband Richard 

Keeping Up Appearances star dead aged 82: Fans pay tribute to Clive Swift, (right) who was best known for playing Hyacinth Bucket's long-suffering husband Richard 

Frustrations: The show follows Hyacinth in her attempts to rise through the social classes, always exasperated by her family, who she considers to be of a much lower social standing

Frustrations: The show follows Hyacinth in her attempts to rise through the social classes, always exasperated by her family, who she considers to be of a much lower social standing

The show follows Hyacinth in her attempts to rise through the social classes, always exasperated by her family, who she considers to be of a lower social standing. 

Rover driving Richard would regularly roll his eyes over Hyacinth's irritations whenever her surname was pronounced Bucket instead of Bouquet as she preferred. 

In 2014, he told The Express: 'I was reluctant to accept the part of Richard until it hit me that Roy Clarke also wrote Last Of The Summer Wine. 

'Patricia and I got on very well; she’s from Birkenhead – not too far from my birthplace. 

'Like me she’s very musical and plays the piano and she was very loyal to me. That show is the only proper money I’ve earned, because it was a global success and it’s given me a good pension that I might never have had.' 

Missed: Tributes to Clive to appeared on social media on Friday, when the news was released

Missed: Tributes to Clive to appeared on social media on Friday, when the news was released

As well as Keeping Up With Appearances, Clive also starred in Midsomer Murders, as well as a BBC adaptation of The Barchester Chronicles.

In December 2007, he appeared in the most watched ever Doctor Who Christmas special as Mr Copper, alongside Kylie Minogue, with around 13million viewers.

One stand out moment for Clive was an interview with Doctor Who Magazine in 2007, which drew much attention due to his grumpy demeanour while discussing his character in

read more from dailymail.....

PREV Will movie give forgotten Scots punks a hit 45 years on? trends now
NEXT In news vacuum, rumours and concern swirl over Catherine mogaznewsen