In a recent interview, Keeping Up Appearances star Judy Cornwell, who played the unforgettable Daisy, shared nostalgic memories about the iconic British sitcom that still resonates with fans around the world. Daisy, the cardigan-wearing, romantically frustrated sister of the pretentious Hyacinth Bucket, portrayed by Patricia Routledge, became a fan favorite for her down-to-earth character in contrast to Hyacinth’s high-society aspirations. Cornwell fondly recalls the hilarious dynamics among the cast, including her camaraderie with Dame Patricia, Geoffrey Hughes (Onslow), and Clive Swift (Richard). Despite the show ending over 30 years ago, Cornwell still receives fan mail, with many viewers saying they relate more to Daisy and Onslow than Hyacinth, seeing them as a more grounded reflection of family life.
Cornwell attributes the show’s success to the talent behind it, including BBC producer Harold Snoad, who cast her as Daisy after a successful run on The Dick Emery Show. She remembers the vibrant atmosphere on set, with plenty of off-script laughs. She also reflects on how well the cast gelled, even after filming, meeting up for lunches and enjoying each other’s company. In particular, she recalls a memorable moment on set where she and Geoffrey Hughes, as Onslow, were filming a scene in bed that collapsed, sending both of them into fits of laughter and leaving the audience in stitches. Cornwell admits that Hughes was always up to mischief, often playfully pinching her bottom under the covers, which left her trying to keep a straight face during scenes. This playful energy contributed to the show’s charm, and they quickly slipped into their characters, delivering brilliant performances.
The quirky costumes, like Daisy’s infamous grey cardigan and Onslow’s dirty vest, were carefully chosen for authenticity, with Cornwell recalling how she found the perfect cardigan and brought in her own worn sandals to complete the look. The show also sparked interest in romance novels, as Cornwell’s character, Daisy, often read Mills & Boon books and tried to spice up her relationship with Onslow, which became a recurring comedic plot point. Interestingly, after the show aired, Cornwell learned that Mills & Boon saw a significant increase in book sales, which they attributed to the sitcom’s portrayal of Daisy’s romantic escapades.
Although Keeping Up Appearances ended in 1995, with Patricia Routledge moving on to the role of Hetty Wainthropp in a new drama, Cornwell insists there were no hard feelings. She reflects on her career with pride, mentioning that she’s had the opportunity to pursue other creative endeavors, including writing a memoir. The continued popularity of Keeping Up Appearances has led to a worldwide fanbase, with reruns in over 100 countries. There was even talk of a Daisy and Onslow spin-off, although Cornwell is glad it never happened, as she believes the original magic would have been hard to recapture with new actors.
Looking back on her role, Cornwell says Daisy’s love for Onslow mirrors her own passion for her husband of 65 years, former Fleet Street journalist John. As she celebrates this milestone, Cornwell reflects on how Keeping Up Appearances remains one of the highlights of her career, leaving her grateful for the continued love and appreciation from fans.
