Keeping Up Appearances star Anna Dawson dies aged 88: Actress best known for role as affluent Violet in beloved BBC sitcom passes away just six months after her husband

Keeping Up Appearances star Anna Dawson has died at the age of 88.

The actress previously played the affluent Hyacinth Bouquet's sister Violet in the beloved sitcom before retiring from the industry in 1995.

Anna's passing came just six months after the husband John Boulter, who was a soloist in the Black and White Minstrel Show.

Her death was announced in a post on the Paihia Community page in by the Christ Church Anglican at Kororāreka Russell.

It said: 'It is with great sadness that we announce the death of a much treasured member of our faith community, former actress Anna Boulter (nee Dawson). Anna died peacefully on Saturday 27 June in Kerikeri at 3pm.

'Many from the Russell community will remember Anna and her late husband John Boulter who lived in Okiato and Tapeka. Funeral details to follow.'

Following the news, many fans began to pay tribute to Anna on X, including Only Fools And Horses star John Challis' widow Carol.

She wrote: 'Sad news. An old friend. God bless you, Anna.'

Others wrote: 'Oh no, how sad. Goodness - Penelope Keith, Michael Byrne and now Anna Dawson;'

'I was sad to hear that the actress and singer Anna Dawson has died;'

'Anna Dawson aka Violet from Keeping Up Appearances has died I do hope heaven has a Mercedes, sauna and a room for a pony. RIP queen.'

Born in Lancashire, Anna spent part of her childhood in the British colonial territory of Tanganyika in east Africa, which is now part of Tanzania.

After attending drama school, she started her career with roles in West End musicals, before starring in 23 episodes of the 60s police procedural Dixon of Dock Green.