One of television’s most beloved characters remains Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced “Bouquet”), the snobbish, socially ambitious star of Keeping Up Appearances. Though the sitcom has become a classic, its creator, Dame Patricia Routledge, has been outspoken about her disapproval of the BBC’s 2016 spin-off, Young Hyacinth.
The prequel, featuring Kerry Howard as a young Hyacinth, was intended to explore the character’s early years working as a housemaid and dreaming of climbing the social ladder. It was part of the BBC’s special sitcom season, which revisited classic British comedies in new ways. However, Dame Patricia made it clear she wanted no part of it.
When asked about Young Hyacinth, the 95-year-old Routledge didn’t mince words. Rather than taking the project as a compliment, she rejected it outright, saying, “Why are they doing this sort of thing? They must be in terrible shape. I am not involved in it. Let them get on with it.”
While those involved in the project, including Kerry Howard, hoped Dame Patricia would feel honored by the tribute, her reaction was starkly different. Howard later admitted she felt hurt by the actress’s blunt response. Speaking to Radio Times, she reflected:
“It’s a little disheartening, isn’t it?” she said. Howard defended the intentions behind Young Hyacinth, emphasizing that it was meant to explore the character’s origins, not replicate or replace the original series. She speculated that Dame Patricia may have misunderstood the concept: “We’re not recreating her show. We’re going back in time to show how her character came to be. I suppose she might have thought we were trying to replace her, but that’s not the case.”
Despite Routledge’s disapproval, Young Hyacinth was well-received, attracting more than four million viewers in a single week and earning positive reviews from critics. Nevertheless, it remained a one-off special, with no additional episodes commissioned.
Dame Patricia’s reaction was consistent with her long-held belief that one should end a successful project before it begins to decline. Even though the BBC wanted more episodes of Keeping Up Appearances, she chose to conclude the show in 1995. Reflecting on her decision in a BBC Four interview, she said:
“I brought it to an end, which, of course, the BBC didn’t care for very much. I felt the writer was beginning to repeat himself.”
She referenced the wisdom of famed comedian Ronnie Barker, who believed in stepping away while still at the top—leaving audiences wanting more, rather than wondering why a show was still on.
For Dame Patricia, it was vital to move forward. While she appreciates the cultural impact of Keeping Up Appearances, she has always seen herself as an actress eager to tell new stories, not just as a sitcom star. “I had other things to do,” she explained. “I wanted to explore other characters.”
Keeping Up Appearances continues to enjoy enduring popularity around the world, thanks to Hyacinth’s relentless social climbing, her strained relationship with husband Richard, and hilarious encounters with neighbors like Elizabeth and her slovenly brother-in-law Onslow. The series’ references—like Hyacinth’s “Royal Doulton with the hand-painted periwinkles” and her obsession with candlelight dinners—remain instantly recognizable.
Still, for Dame Patricia, the past belongs firmly in the past. She’s made it clear she has no desire for a sequel, a prequel, or any other revisit to Hyacinth’s world. As she put it simply:
“Let them get on with it.”
And she has.