In a recent interview on BBC Four – Remembering… Dame Patricia Routledge Remembers… Keeping Up Appearances, Dame Patricia Routledge, famed for her unforgettable portrayal of the prim and proper Hyacinth Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances, shared fascinating behind-the-scenes insights into the iconic British sitcom. The show, which aired from 1990 to 1995, remains a cornerstone of British comedy, following Hyacinth’s tireless quest to climb the social ladder while contending with her embarrassing, working-class relatives.
Over the course of the series, viewers delighted in watching Hyacinth’s strained efforts to impress the upper crust, often undermined by her loud and brash sister Daisy (played by Judy Cornwell) and her easygoing, beer-guzzling brother-in-law Onslow (Geoffrey Hughes). One character, however, was always shrouded in mystery—Hyacinth’s son, Sheridan. Despite his presence being heavily referenced throughout the show, Sheridan was never seen on screen. Instead, audiences only heard him during Hyacinth’s frequent phone calls, where she would lavish praise on his refined tastes and lavish lifestyle. Richard (Clive Swift), Hyacinth’s long-suffering husband, was clearly less enamored with their son’s extravagant habits, adding to the comedic tension.
Fans often speculated about Sheridan’s potential appearance, but Patricia Routledge was firm in her stance that he should remain unseen. In a candid interview, she recalled, “Over my dead body were you ever going to see Sheridan with his nice boyfriend called Tarquin who made the curtains for their little home.” She explained how much she enjoyed those phone calls, emphasizing that the humor came not only from Sheridan’s overbearing nature but also from Richard’s comedic reactions. “Everybody already knew exactly what Sheridan looked like in their own minds,” Routledge said, a testament to how the show masterfully left him to the imagination of the audience.
As beloved as Keeping Up Appearances was, Routledge made the decision to leave the show after five series. Despite the BBC’s reluctance to end it, she felt that the show had reached its natural conclusion. “I thought the writer was beginning to recycle old ideas,” she explained, referencing her admiration for comedian Ronnie Barker, who was known for stepping away from successful projects at their peak. For Routledge, leaving while the show was still fresh was crucial, and she was eager to explore other acting opportunities. “I had other adventures to explore,” she said, keen to take on new roles and stories.
Even though Keeping Up Appearances ended decades ago, its legacy endures, captivating new generations of viewers around the globe. Routledge, though having moved on to other projects, continues to be amazed by the enduring popularity of the show, noting how it is still regularly broadcast worldwide. Her portrayal of Hyacinth remains one of the most cherished roles in British television history, cementing her place as a comedy legend.
