Spoiler Alert: Patricia Routledge Opens Up About Hyacinth Bucket’s True Nature – and Her Decision to Leave Keeping Up Appearances

In a surprising and candid interview, Patricia Routledge, the legendary actress behind the iconic character of Hyacinth Bucket from Keeping Up Appearances, revealed a shocking and brutally honest perspective on her time playing the beloved snob. While Hyacinth was adored by fans for her relentless social-climbing antics and obsession with appearances, Patricia herself doesn’t mince words when discussing her character. In fact, she goes as far as to call Hyacinth a “monster” during the 2023 Channel 5 documentary Keeping Up Appearances: 30 Years of Laughs, offering a much less flattering view of the character she portrayed for years.

Patricia, now 95, reflects on Hyacinth’s excessive standards and pretensions, noting that these traits, though central to the show’s comedy, made her a “monster.” “She’s a monster, really,” Patricia confessed, speaking candidly about the character’s inability to accept anything less than perfection. According to Patricia, the key to Hyacinth’s comedic appeal lies in the fact that she was always trying to present herself as something she was not, which often resulted in embarrassing, yet hilarious moments. Her character’s high standards, she explained, were unrealistic, leading to many comedic situations where Hyacinth would slip and fall short of the image she desperately tried to maintain.

Despite Patricia’s tough view of her character, Hyacinth’s portrayal earned her critical acclaim, with multiple BAFTA nominations and a British Comedy Award. The show, which aired from 1990 to 1995, became a staple of British television, and Hyacinth’s attempts at climbing the social ladder—often thwarted by her eccentric family—kept audiences laughing for years. However, Patricia’s take on the character shows that she understood the underlying insecurity that drove Hyacinth’s actions, making her more complex than just a comedic snob. Hyacinth’s behavior, Patricia admitted, was driven by a deep-seated desire to appear better than she truly felt.

During the documentary, Patricia also offered insights into the creative process behind Keeping Up Appearances, revealing that her relationship with the show’s creators was not without tension. Though Roy Clarke and Harold Snoad were the primary visionaries behind the series, Patricia occasionally disagreed with them, especially on aspects of Hyacinth’s portrayal. These disagreements, while heated at times, contributed to the dynamic atmosphere on set, with Patricia recalling “explosions” that often followed creative clashes.

However, despite her deep connection to Hyacinth, Patricia ultimately chose to leave the show after five successful series. She explained that she felt the writers were beginning to recycle old ideas, which made it feel like the show was losing its spark. Citing the example of legendary actor Ronnie Barker, who always left while the show was at its peak, Patricia felt it was time for her to move on to new projects. She explained, “I had other adventures to explore,” acknowledging that she wanted to take on new roles and expand her range as an actress beyond the Keeping Up Appearances universe.

In the special Patricia Routledge Remembers…, Patricia reflected on the lasting legacy of Keeping Up Appearances, expressing surprise at the show’s enduring popularity even decades after its final episode. She fondly remembered the moment she first read the script for Hyacinth and immediately knew the character was one she could bring to life. Patricia’s connection to Hyacinth, she admits, wasn’t just professional—it was personal, as she recognized aspects of the character in people she had known in real life.

After Keeping Up Appearances, Patricia continued to showcase her versatility as an actress, taking on roles like Hetty Wainthropp in Hetty Wainthropp Investigates and performing on stage as Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest. While Hyacinth may have been one of her most iconic roles, Patricia’s range as an actress extended far beyond her comedic roots, allowing her to thrive in both television and theater. Her honesty about Hyacinth’s character and her reasons for leaving the show offer a unique glimpse into the complexities of playing such a memorable role—and how Patricia’s career continues to evolve beyond it.