For five seasons, Keeping Up Appearances was one of Britain’s most beloved sitcoms, bringing audiences the hilariously pretentious antics of Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced “Bouquet,” as she insisted). Patricia Routledge’s portrayal of the overbearing yet oddly endearing social climber made the show a massive success, both in the UK and internationally.

However, despite its popularity, the series came to an abrupt end in 1995.

The reason? Patricia Routledge herself made the call to move on. Though many fans were left disappointed, the decision wasn’t made lightly. Routledge, a seasoned actress with a distinguished career in theatre and television, felt it was time to explore new opportunities rather than be solely identified as Hyacinth Bucket.

She was eager to take on more diverse roles, and the chance to star in Hetty Wainthropp Investigates gave her the perfect opportunity to do just that.

Before Keeping Up Appearances, Routledge had already established herself as a versatile actress. She was well-known for her work in theatre, including acclaimed performances in Shakespearean plays and West End productions.

She had also won a Tony Award for her performance in Darling of the Day and had built a strong reputation in both dramatic and comedic roles.

But when Keeping Up Appearances debuted in 1990, her portrayal of Hyacinth Bucket quickly overshadowed all her previous work. Hyacinth’s obsession with class, her desperate attempts to impress those she deemed “higher up” in society, and her absolute mortification at her working-class relatives made for brilliant comedy.

The show resonated with audiences, and Routledge became a household name.

Despite the overwhelming success, the actress wasn’t keen on being typecast. She had spent decades refining her craft across different genres and wanted to ensure her career didn’t become defined by just one character—no matter how iconic.

In 1996, just a year after Keeping Up Appearances ended, Routledge took on a completely different role: Hetty Wainthropp, an ordinary housewife turned amateur detective in the crime drama Hetty Wainthropp Investigates. The series, which ran for four seasons, showcased a different side of Routledge’s acting abilities.

Hetty was down-to-earth, sharp-witted, and far removed from the snobbish antics of Hyacinth Bucket.

The shift in roles allowed Routledge to flex her dramatic muscles while still bringing charm and humor to the screen. Though Hetty Wainthropp Investigates didn’t reach the same legendary status as Keeping Up Appearances, it proved to be a success in its own right and further cemented Routledge’s reputation as a versatile performer.

Unlike many actors who struggle with being typecast, Routledge had the foresight to leave Keeping Up Appearances at the right time. She understood the risk of staying in one role for too long and made a career choice that ensured she could continue working in diverse and challenging roles.

In later interviews, she expressed appreciation for Keeping Up Appearances but made it clear that she never felt the need to revisit Hyacinth Bucket. To her, the show had run its course, and she had given everything she could to the character.

While many fans wished for more episodes, she had no interest in reprising the role.

Even though Keeping Up Appearances ended nearly three decades ago, its impact remains strong. The show continues to find new audiences through reruns, streaming platforms, and DVD collections. Hyacinth Bucket’s relentless pursuit of social prestige still resonates, and her catchphrases—like answering the phone with an exaggerated “The Bouquet residence, lady of the house speaking!”—are still quoted by fans.

Patricia Routledge’s decision to step away from Keeping Up Appearances ultimately preserved the integrity of the show. Rather than stretching the series beyond its prime, it ended on a high note, ensuring that Hyacinth’s legacy remained intact.

Though she went on to star in other projects, for many, she will always be remembered as the woman who turned social climbing into an art form. And while she never looked back, audiences continue to celebrate her unforgettable portrayal of Hyacinth Bucket, the ultimate queen of keeping up appearances.