Keeping Up Appearances was a global smash, with 992 channels in other countries buying the comedy, which was watched everywhere from the US to Australia.
From social-climbing snob Hyacinth Bucket – pronounced ‘Bouquet’, naturally – and her long-suffering husband Richard, to her “tart with a heart” sister Rose, and scruffy brother-in-law Onslow, Keeping Up Appearances was packed with unforgettable characters.
The BBC sitcom became a worldwide phenomenon, with 992 channels across other nations purchasing the comedy, which was viewed everywhere from America to Australia.
Three and a half decades after the debut episode of the programme, which ran for five remarkable series, it’s time to examine what became of its cast….
Patricia Routledge
Hyacinth – the programme’s leading lady – was famous for fretting when husband Richard took the driving seat, and exploding if anyone mispronounced her surname ‘Bucket’, reports the Mirror.
And it was distinguished actress Patricia Routledge who breathed life into the character. Before accepting this part, she had achieved tremendous acclaim in theatre, appearing on Broadway and securing Tony and Olivier awards.
Following the programme’s five-year stint which concluded in 1995, Patricia landed another starring role in the BBC’s Hetty Wainthropp Investigates.
Patricia was honoured as a Dame in 2017 and last year was granted honorary membership of the Royal Academy of Music.
This week, it was announced that the actress has died at the age of 97.
Her agent said in a statement to the PA Media news agency: “We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of Dame Patricia Routledge, who died peacefully in her sleep this morning surrounded by love.
Clive Swift
Clive played Richard in the sitcom, the patient husband who endured Hyacinth’s outrageous antics, won over viewers and was brilliantly brought to life by actor Clive Swift.
Post-show, Clive starred in one of the most successful Doctor Who Christmas specials as Mr Copper, sharing screen time with Kylie Minogue. T
he Shakespearean-trained actor was also a singer and musician, touring the UK with his show Richard Bouquet Overflows.
He was wedded to novelist Margaret Drabble for 15 years before they parted ways, and they have three children together. Clive made his final TV appearance on ITV’s Midsomer Murders in 2017.
He sadly passed away in February 2019 at the age of 82.
Geoffrey Hughes
Onslow, the self-proclaimed layabout, was series creator Roy Clarke’s favourite character, known for his hilarious scenes. Dressed in his signature white vest and baseball cap, Onslow enjoyed betting, beer, and telly – but was surprisingly well-read and tech-savvy.
Actor Geoffrey Hughes, previously known for his role as Eddie Yeats in ITV’s Coronation Street, later played Twiggy in the BBC’s The Royle Family and Vernon Scripps in ITV’s Heartbeat.
The star died from prostate cancer in 2012, leaving behind his wife Sue.
Shirley Stelfox and Mary Millar
Hyacinth’s predatory younger sister Rose, who appalled her sibling with her revealing outfits and garish makeup, was portrayed by two different actresses throughout the programme’s run.
Shirley Stelfox featured in the opening series before securing a lengthy stint on ITV’s Emmerdale as the sharp-tongued Edna Birch.
The actress, who wed twice and had one daughter plus two stepchildren, sadly died in 2015 at the age of 74.
Mary Millar stepped into Rose’s shoes for the remaining four series, with the seasoned West End star later returning to the stage to portray Mrs Potts in Beauty And The Beast.
The married mother-of-one tragically succumbed to ovarian cancer in November 1998, aged 62.
Judy Cornwell
Sibling to both Hyacinth and Rose, Daisy (right) was perpetually eager for romantic encounters with spouse Onslow – who showed considerably less enthusiasm.
There was notably a fourth sister named Violet, about whom Hyacinth delighted in bragging due to her Mercedes and property complete with sauna and “room for a pony”.
Now 85, Judy Cornwell went on to portray Queenie Trott in EastEnders following the show’s conclusion, whilst also featuring in Birds Of A Feather. The performer – who is wed with one son – has taken on parts in ITV’s Midsomer Murders and Heartbeat, and has penned multiple novels.
Josephine Tewson
Elizabeth Warden found herself intimidated by her overbearing neighbour Hyacinth, who frequently invited her over for coffee which she invariably spilled due to nerves. Josephine Tewson, who sadly died last year at the age of 91, had a remarkable career spanning over 50 years, working alongside some of television’s biggest names.
She was married twice, first to actor Leonard Rossiter and later to dental surgeon Henry Newman.
The actress also graced our screens in LWT’s Frost On Sunday with Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett, as well as in the BBC’s The Two Ronnies.
Following the sitcom, she portrayed the high-strung librarian Miss Davenport in BBC’s Last Of The Summer Wine and even toured the country in her 80s with a one-woman show about her work, titled Still Keeping Up Appearances.
David Griffin
Elizabeth’s brother Emmet, a divorced musician, often found himself staying over at his sister’s house.
He lived in fear of her neighbour Hyacinth, who would frequently serenade him in hopes of landing a role in one of his musical plays.
Prior to Keeping Up Appearances, actor David Griffin, now 81, was known for his role as Squadron Leader Clive Dempster in Hi-de-Hi!
Post-sitcom, he reunited with actress Su Pollard to tour the world in the stage show The Good Sex Guide. The star, who is married with two children, has also made several appearances in pantomimes.
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