Dame Patricia Routledge, renowned for her portrayal of the unforgettable Hyacinth Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances, has recently opened up about the reasons behind her decision to leave the iconic sitcom after just five series. Despite its massive popularity and the legions of fans it accumulated over the years, Patricia revealed that she was not entirely happy with the direction the show was taking, particularly when it came to the so-called "recycled ideas" that began to emerge as the series progressed.
Keeping Up Appearances was one of the BBC's most successful sitcoms, running from 1990 to 1995. Patricia’s performance as the delusional social climber Hyacinth, whose obsession with appearing upper-class often led to comic mishaps, endeared her to audiences both in the UK and internationally.
However, despite the show’s widespread acclaim and Patricia's stellar performance, she was not content to continue indefinitely with the series. Reflecting on her time on the show, she explained that the increasing reliance on repetitive storylines and ideas led to her decision to bow out while the show was still on a high.
"I thought the writer was beginning to recycle old ideas," Patricia remarked in a recent interview. This sentiment echoes her earlier reflections on the nature of comedy, where she emphasized the importance of keeping content fresh and engaging.
According to Patricia, once the humor started to feel predictable and forced, it lost the spontaneity that made the show great in its early years. "They were desperately trying to recover the comedy line," she continued, expressing her dissatisfaction with how the series was evolving.
For Patricia, it was essential that the quality of the comedy stayed sharp and innovative, and when that was no longer the case, it became clear that it was time for her to move on.
Patricia’s decision to leave Keeping Up Appearances was, in part, influenced by her admiration for comedy legend Ronnie Barker, who was known for knowing when to quit while at the peak of his success. Barker’s ability to step away from a show when it was still at its height was something Patricia admired greatly.
“That’s the place to be,” she said, explaining that she wanted to leave the show while it was still beloved by fans, rather than dragging it on to the point where audiences began to lose interest.
Her exit from the series was not without its challenges, as the BBC was reportedly disappointed by her decision to depart. However, Patricia remained firm in her belief that she had made the right choice.
"The BBC didn’t care for it very much," she admitted, referring to the network’s dismay at her departure. But despite any initial tensions, Patricia’s conviction that she was doing what was best for both herself and the show remained strong.
She was not content to simply continue playing Hyacinth indefinitely, and instead, she sought out new creative adventures that would allow her to expand her range as an actress.
Even though Patricia felt that Keeping Up Appearances had begun to stagnate, she did express immense gratitude for the role that made her a household name. "I am immensely appreciative of what the show brought me," she said, acknowledging the unique place the sitcom holds in her career.
However, her desire to explore new roles and creative avenues ultimately won out. After Keeping Up Appearances, Patricia went on to take on a variety of other projects, including her role in Hetty Wainthropp Investigates, a detective series that aired from 1996 to 1998, and her stage role as Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest from 1999 to 2001.
Her time on Keeping Up Appearances may have been limited, but Patricia’s decision to leave the show at the height of its popularity is a testament to her professionalism and artistic integrity. Rather than sticking with a show that she felt was no longer offering fresh material, she chose to pursue a broader range of creative opportunities.
This decision has, in many ways, shaped the trajectory of her career, allowing her to continue taking on diverse roles in television, theater, and film well after her time as Hyacinth.
Looking back on her time as Hyacinth, Patricia has said that the character will always hold a special place in her heart. "I knew that woman, I knew several of that woman," she said, referencing her initial connection to the character when she first read the script.
While Patricia’s relationship with the role of Hyacinth was complex, there is no doubt that her performance became a defining moment in British television comedy. Hyacinth’s antics and her relentless pursuit of social status became the cornerstone of a sitcom that continues to be cherished by fans worldwide.
Despite the enduring popularity of Keeping Up Appearances, Patricia’s decision to leave the show when she did was a reflection of her belief that comedy should evolve, and that sometimes, it’s better to leave audiences wanting more. Her unwillingness to settle for anything less than top-tier comedy has been a hallmark of her career, and her legacy as a respected and versatile actress is a testament to that.
Patricia’s departure from the show allowed her to explore new projects and roles, further proving that she was more than just her most famous character.
