Dame Patricia Routledge, the legendary British actress best known for her portrayal of Hyacinth Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances, has made her opinion clear regarding the recent talk of a spin-off based on the iconic sitcom. Now aged 95, Patricia has never been one to hold back her feelings, and she certainly didn’t mince words when it came to the possibility of revisiting the world of Hyacinth Bucket.
In a rare interview, Patricia expressed a firm stance against the spin-off, making it clear that she had no interest in the idea whatsoever.
Patricia’s remarks were blunt and to the point: "Why are they doing this sort of thing? They must be desperate... Nothing to do with me. Let them get on with it."
These words reflect her no-nonsense approach to the show’s enduring legacy, and her desire to move on from the character that made her a household name. While fans of Keeping Up Appearances may have been hoping for a revival or spin-off that would bring Hyacinth back to their screens, Patricia has made it abundantly clear that she is uninterested in revisiting her most famous role.
The actress, who portrayed the hilariously pretentious Hyacinth from 1990 to 1995, achieved international recognition and critical acclaim for her performance. Hyacinth’s obsession with social status and her endless, often disastrous attempts to elevate herself above her working-class roots made for some of British television's most memorable comedic moments.
Patricia’s performance earned her two BAFTA nominations and a British Comedy Award, making her a comedic legend in the eyes of many.
However, despite the immense popularity of the show and its characters, Patricia has expressed a reluctance to revisit the role of Hyacinth, especially in the form of a spin-off or revival. In fact, she has made it clear that she feels no need to relive the glory days of the show.
For Patricia, Keeping Up Appearances was a chapter of her career that has long since closed, and she seems content with the way things ended. "Nothing to do with me," she added, signaling that she has no intention of being involved in any future projects related to the series.
The potential spin-off has stirred the interest of many fans, but Patricia’s response is a reminder that her time as Hyacinth Bucket was a unique moment in her career, not something she feels the need to revisit. In fact, Patricia’s decision to step away from Keeping Up Appearances after just five series was one that she was proud of.
She has often spoken about how she wanted to leave the show at its peak, rather than allowing it to drag on until it lost its spark.
In a previous interview, Patricia explained that she felt the show was beginning to recycle old ideas, a sentiment that led her to make the decision to step away. “I thought the writer was beginning to recycle old ideas,” she said. Patricia’s decision to leave was in part inspired by her admiration for comedy legend Ronnie Barker, who famously stopped his shows while they were still at their height, leaving audiences wanting more.
"That’s the place to be," Patricia explained, signaling her desire to exit on a high note.
Patricia’s reluctance to return to the character of Hyacinth also reflects her deep desire to move on to new challenges and roles. As an actress, Patricia has always been one to embrace change, and she has shown a keen interest in exploring a wide range of characters over the years.
After Keeping Up Appearances, she went on to star in Hetty Wainthropp Investigates from 1996 to 1998, and her stage career continued with a celebrated turn as Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest.
Even now, in her 90s, Patricia remains steadfast in her belief that she is more than just her most famous role. While she has expressed gratitude for the opportunities that Keeping Up Appearances brought her, she has always maintained that there is much more to her as an actress than the character of Hyacinth.
"I’m an actress, and I wanted to take on the stories of other people," she has said, reflecting her desire to move beyond the confines of one iconic role and explore new creative ventures.
Despite Patricia’s clear stance against a Keeping Up Appearances spin-off, the show’s legacy endures. Fans continue to watch the series in reruns, and Hyacinth remains a beloved figure in the world of British comedy.
However, it’s clear that Patricia has no interest in being a part of any potential revival. Her time as Hyacinth Bucket is a cherished part of television history, but she is content to leave it there and focus on the future.
Patricia’s comments also raise an important point about the nature of television revivals and spin-offs in the modern era. With the constant trend of reboots and spin-offs flooding the entertainment industry, it’s not surprising that many actors, especially those who have achieved immense success with one particular character, may feel a sense of reluctance to revisit the past.
Patricia’s decision to distance herself from the Keeping Up Appearances spin-off speaks to her desire to maintain artistic integrity and avoid becoming typecast in a role that has already defined her legacy.
In the end, while Keeping Up Appearances will always be a part of Patricia Routledge’s incredible career, it’s clear that she has no interest in revisiting it. Her brutal response to the spin-off idea is a testament to her belief that the show had its time and place, and that it’s time for new adventures.
