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| country = United Kingdom
| country = United Kingdom
| company = [[BBC]]
| company = [[BBC]]
| distributor = [[BBC Worldwide]] <br> [[2entertain]] <br> [[Universal Pictures]] <br> [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]] (Australia, home video)<br>[[Warner Home Video]] (US, home video)<br>[[Iowa Public Television]] (US, television)<ref>{{cite web|title=Keeping up appearances. / Life Lessons from Onslow|url=http://www.worldcat.org/title/keeping-up-appearances-life-lessons-from-onslow/oclc/313473236}}</ref>
| distributor = [[BBC Worldwide]] <br> [[2entertain]] <br>[[Universal Pictures]]<br>[[Iowa Public Television]] (US, television)<ref>{{cite web|title=Keeping up appearances. / Life Lessons from Onslow|url=http://www.worldcat.org/title/keeping-up-appearances-life-lessons-from-onslow/oclc/313473236}}</ref><br>[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]] (Australia, home video)<br>[[Warner Home Video]] (US, home video)
| location = [[Binley Woods]], [[Warwickshire]], England;<br /><small>(Hyacinth's Bungalow)</small><br />[[Stoke Aldermoor]], [[Coventry]], [[West Midlands (county)|West Midlands]], England;<br /><small>(Daisy and Onslow's council house)</small><br /> [[Leamington Spa]], England <br /><small>(Towns and various locations)</small> <br />[[Northampton]], England;<small><br />(Church, Church Hall and Vicarage)</small> <br /> [[Swindon]], [[Wiltshire]], England; </small> <br />[[Oxford]], England;<small> <br /> [[Bristol]], England;<br /> [[Great Yarmouth]] [[Norfolk]], England;</small> <br />[[Copenhagen]], [[Denmark]];<br/>(location scenes)
| location = [[Binley Woods]], [[Warwickshire]], England;<br /><small>(Hyacinth's House)</small><br />[[Stoke Aldermoor]], [[Coventry]], [[West Midlands (county)|West Midlands]], England;<br /><small>(Daisy and Onslow's council house)</small><br /> [[Leamington Spa]], England <br /><small>(Towns and various locations)</small> <br />[[Northampton]], England;<small><br />(Church, Church Hall and Vicarage)</small> <br /> [[Swindon]], [[Wiltshire]], England; </small> <br />[[Oxford]], England;<small> <br /> [[Bristol]], England;<br /> [[Great Yarmouth]] [[Norfolk]], England;</small> <br />[[Copenhagen]], [[Denmark]];<br/>(location scenes)
| camera = [[Single-camera setup|Single-camera]]
| camera = [[Single-camera setup|Single-camera]]
| network = [[BBC One]]
| network = [[BBC One]]
| picture_format = 576i (4:3 SDTV)
| picture_format = 576i (4:3 SDTV)
| audio_format = {{unbulleted list|Monaural {{small|(series 1)}}|Stereo {{small|(series 2–5)}}}}
| audio_format = Mono (series 1), Stereo (series 2–5)
| first_aired = {{Start date|1990|10|29|df=y}}
| first_aired = {{Start date|1990|10|29|df=y}}
| last_aired = {{End date| 1995|12|25|df=y}}
| last_aired = {{End date| 1995|12|25|df=y}}
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}}
}}


'''''Keeping Up Appearances''''' is a [[British sitcom]] created and written by [[Roy Clarke]]. It aired on [[BBC One]] from 1990 to 1995. The central character is eccentric and snobbish [[middle class]] social climber [[Hyacinth Bucket]] ([[Patricia Routledge]]), who insists that her surname is pronounced "Bouquet".<ref>The device of a humorously affected pronunciation of Bucket as Bouquet was used previously in the 1944 British comedy film ''[[Don't Take It to Heart]]''.</ref> The sitcom follows Hyacinth in her attempts to prove her social superiority, and to gain standing with those she considers [[upper class]]. Her attempts are constantly hampered by her [[Underclass|lower class]] extended family, whom she is desperate to hide. Much of the humour comes from the conflict between Hyacinth's vision of herself, and the reality of her [[underclass]] background. In each episode, she lands in a farcical situation as she battles to protect her social credibility.
'''''Keeping Up Appearances''''' is a [[British sitcom]] created and written by [[Roy Clarke]] for the [[BBC]], centred on the life of eccentric and snobbish [[middle class]] social climber [[Hyacinth Bucket]], who insists that her surname is pronounced "Bouquet".<ref>The device of a humorously affected pronunciation of Bucket as Bouquet was used previously in the 1944 British comedy film [[Don't Take It to Heart]].</ref> The sitcom follows Hyacinth in her attempts to prove her social superiority and to gain standing with those she considers [[upper class]]; attempts that are constantly hampered by her decidedly [[Underclass|lower class]] extended family whom she desperately seeks to hide. Much of the humour comes from the [[class conflict|culture clash]] between Hyacinth's vision of herself and the reality of her [[working class|working-class]] background, plus the farcical situations in which she finds herself as she battles to protect her social credibility.


The show spawned five series and 44 episodes, four of which are Christmas specials. ''Keeping Up Appearances'' was a great success in the UK and also captured large audiences in the US, Canada, Australia, [[Denmark]], [[Finland]], [[Sweden]], [[Belgium]] and the [[Netherlands]], but ceased production in 1995 when its star Patricia Routledge wanted to move on to other projects. Since its original release, all five series—including the Christmas specials—have been available on DVD. It is regularly repeated worldwide on TV channels including [[PBS]] in the US, [[BBC One]], [[Gold (UK TV channel)|Gold]] and [[Drama (TV channel)|Drama]] in the UK and Ireland and [[7TWO]] in Australia. It came 12th in 2004's [[Britain's Best Sitcom]] poll.
The show comprised five series and 44 episodes, four of which are Christmas specials. Production ended when star Patricia Routledge moved on to other projects. All episodes have since been released on DVD.


⚫
In February 2016, [[BBC Worldwide]] confirmed that ''Keeping Up Appearances'' is the corporation's most exported television programme, being sold nearly 1,000 times to overseas broadcasters. A [[prequel]] titled ''[[Young Hyacinth]]'', featuring Hyacinth as a 19-year-old maid in the 1950s, premiered in September 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/bbcs-most-popular-show-overseas-is-keeping-up-appearances-a6880806.html|title=BBC's most popular show overseas is...Keeping Up Appearances|last=Stolworthy|first=Jacob|date=18 February 2016|publisher=[[The Independent]]|accessdate=18 February 2016}}</ref>
''Keeping Up Appearances'' was a great success in the UK, and also captured large audiences in the US, Canada, Australia, [[Denmark]], [[Finland]], [[Sweden]], [[Belgium]], and the [[Netherlands]]. By February 2016, it had been sold nearly 1,000 times to overseas broadcasters, making it [[BBC Worldwide]]'s most exported television programme. Domestically, it placed 12th in the [[Britain's Best Sitcom]] poll of 2004. It has been syndicated on [[Gold (UK TV channel)|Gold]] and [[Drama (TV channel)|Drama]] in the UK; on [[PBS]] in the United States; and on [[7TWO]] in Australia.

⚫
In September 2016, BBC One transmitted a 30-minute [[prequel]], titled ''[[Young Hyacinth]]'', in which [[Kerry Howard]] plays 19-year-old Hyacinth Walton, who is working as a maid in 1950s Britain.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/bbcs-most-popular-show-overseas-is-keeping-up-appearances-a6880806.html|title=BBC's most popular show overseas is...Keeping Up Appearances|last=Stolworthy|first=Jacob|date=18 February 2016|publisher=[[The Independent]]|accessdate=18 February 2016}}</ref>


== Background ==
== Background ==
Hyacinth Bucket ([[Patricia Routledge]])— who insists her surname is pronounced ''Bouquet'' (although her husband Richard has said, "It was always 'Bucket' until I met you!")<ref>{{cite episode |series=Keeping Up Appearances |seriesno=5 |number=3 |time=8:57 |quote=Yes, I'll give you my name and address. It's "Bouquet." B-u-c-k-e-t. No, it is "Bouquet."}}</ref> — is an over-bearing, social-climbing snob, originally from an underclass background, whose main mission in life is to impress others with her lifestyle, perceived affluence and refinement. She's terrified that her background will be revealed, and goes to great lengths to hide it. Hyacinth likes to spend her days visiting stately homes (convinced she will meet and strike up a friendship with the upper-class owners, especially if they are aristocratic) and hosting "executive-style" candlelight suppers (with her [[Royal Worcester]] [[Ceramic glaze|double-glazed]] Avignon [[Bone china|china]] and [[Royal Doulton]] china with "the hand-painted [[Vinca|periwinkles]]").<ref>{{cite episode |series=Keeping Up Appearances |seriesno=5 |number=3 |time=19:28 |quote=It houses my Royal Doulton with the hand-painted periwinkles.}}</ref> She ostentatiously brags about her possessions to others, including her "white slimline telephone with automatic redial," which she always answers with "The Bouquet residence, the lady of the house speaking."<ref>{{cite episode |series=Keeping Up Appearances |seriesno=5 |number=1 |time=5:46}}</ref> (Frequently she receives misdialed calls asking for a Chinese take-away, making her very angry.) She speaks in an exaggerated [[Received Pronunciation|RP]]-like accent with [[Northern England English|Northern]] undertones, while her relatives speak in broad Northern accents. Her neighbours speak in milder RP accents. When flustered, Hyacinth regresses to her native Northern accent for a while.
Hyacinth Bucket ([[Patricia Routledge]])— who insists her surname is pronounced ''Bouquet'' (although her husband Richard has said, "It was always 'Bucket' until I met you!")<ref>{{cite episode |series=Keeping Up Appearances |seriesno=5 |number=3 |time=8:57 |quote=Yes, I'll give you my name and address. It's "Bouquet." B-u-c-k-e-t. No, it is "Bouquet."}}</ref> — is an over-bearing, social-climbing snob, originally from a poor working-class background, whose main mission in life is to impress others with her lifestyle, perceived affluence and refinement. She's terrified that her background will be revealed, and goes to great lengths to hide it. Hyacinth likes to spend her days visiting stately homes (convinced she will meet and strike up a friendship with the upper-class owners, especially if they are aristocratic) and hosting "executive-style" candlelight suppers (with her [[Royal Worcester]] [[Ceramic glaze|double-glazed]] Avignon [[Bone china|china]] and [[Royal Doulton]] china with "the hand-painted periwinkles").<ref>{{cite episode |series=Keeping Up Appearances |seriesno=5 |number=3 |time=19:28 |quote=It houses my Royal Doulton with the hand-painted periwinkles.}}</ref> She ostentatiously brags about her possessions to others, including her "white slimline telephone with automatic redial," which she always answers with "The Bouquet residence, the lady of the house speaking."<ref>{{cite episode |series=Keeping Up Appearances |seriesno=5 |number=1 |time=5:46}}</ref> (Frequently she receives misdialed calls asking for a Chinese take-away, making her very angry.) She speaks in an exaggerated [[Received Pronunciation|RP]]-like accent with [[Northern England English|Northern]] undertones, while her relatives speak in broad Northern accents. Her neighbours speak in milder RP accents. When flustered, Hyacinth regresses to her native Northern accent for a while.


Hyacinth's attempts to impress make the lives of those around her difficult; her continual efforts to improve her social position usually involve inviting her unwitting neighbours and friends to 'exclusive candlelit suppers'. Although Hyacinth is not deterred by the lack of response to her attempts, nearly everyone around her lives in fear of being invited, and usually makes frantic attempts to excuse themselves. Unfortunately, her husband Richard ([[Clive Swift]]) bears the brunt of the suffering. He initially worked for the [[Local government in England|council]] but, at the beginning of series 3, reluctantly accepts early retirement. Although he loves her with a long-suffering endurance, he is notably exasperated by her plans and her habit of making extravagant and unnecessary purchases. Although she lives to impress others, Hyacinth regularly competes with the upper-middle-class neighbours (whom she considers snobbish show-offs), such as Sonia Barker-Finch, Delia Wheelwright and Lydia Hawksworth (who alone of Hyacinth's rivals seems to be an actual snob, as she disdains [[kiwifruit]] as "lower middle class".) Hyacinth sometimes says things like "I haven't a snobbish bone in my body" or "I can't abide such snobbery like that" when talking about those she considers her competition.
Hyacinth's attempts to impress make the lives of those around her difficult; her continual efforts to improve her social position usually involve inviting her unwitting neighbours and friends to 'exclusive candlelit suppers'. Although Hyacinth is not deterred by the lack of response to her attempts, nearly everyone around her lives in fear of being invited, and usually makes frantic attempts to excuse themselves. Unfortunately, her husband Richard ([[Clive Swift]]) bears the brunt of the suffering. He initially worked for the [[Local government in England|council]] but, at the beginning of series 3, reluctantly accepts early retirement. Although he loves her with a long-suffering endurance, he is notably exasperated by her plans and her habit of making extravagant and unnecessary purchases. Although she lives to impress others, Hyacinth regularly competes with the upper-middle-class neighbors (whom she considers snobbish show-offs), such as Sonia Barker-Finch, Delia Wheelwright and Lydia Hawksworth (who alone of Hyacinth's rivals seems to be an actual snob, as she disdains [[kiwifruit]] as "lower middle class".) Hyacinth sometimes says things like "I haven't a snobbish bone in my body" or "I can't abide such snobbery like that" when talking about those she considers her competition.


Always hindering Hyacinth's best efforts to impress – and providing an unwelcome reminder of her less-than-refined roots – are her [[underclass]] sisters [[Daisy (Keeping Up Appearances)|Daisy]] ([[Judy Cornwell]]) and [[Rose (Keeping Up Appearances)|Rose]] ([[Shirley Stelfox]] in series 1; [[Mary Millar]] thereafter), and Daisy's proudly "bone-idle" husband [[Onslow (Keeping Up Appearances)|Onslow]] ([[Geoffrey Hughes]]). They, along with [[Daddy (Keeping Up Appearances)|Hyacinth's senile father]], frequently turn up inconveniently (usually in their clapped–out [[Ford Cortina#Mark IV (1976–1979)|Ford Cortina Mk IV]] – which always makes a characteristic backfire when it arrives), with Hyacinth going to great lengths to avoid them (saying "Richard, you know I love my family, but that's no reason why I should have to acknowledge them in broad daylight!"). Hyacinth's senile father frequently has flashbacks to the [[World War II|Second World War]], and often exhibits bizarre behaviour, sometimes involving embarrassing situations with women (Onslow describes him as "barmy"). Two relatives of whom Hyacinth is not ashamed are her wealthy sister Violet ([[Anna Dawson]]) and her [[Unseen character|unseen]] son Sheridan. Violet frequently telephones Hyacinth for advice, allowing her to loudly announce to anyone in earshot, "It's my sister Violet – the one with a [[Mercedes-Benz|Mercedes]], swimming pool/[[sauna]] and room for a pony". However, Violet's social acceptability is damaged by the eccentric behaviour of her [[transvestite]], [[Equestrianism|equestrian]]-loving husband Bruce, whom she violently attacks because of his behaviour. Hyacinth also tries to impress people with the intellectual prowess of her beloved Sheridan (who actually only takes courses in needlework at a [[Polytechnic (United Kingdom)|polytechnic]]). Hyacinth boasts about the "psychic" closeness of their relationship and how often he writes and phones her, although he never writes and usually phone calls only to ask for money (much to the despair of Richard).<ref>{{cite episode |series=Keeping Up Appearances |seriesno=5 |number=1 |time=1:03 |quote=Do you think Sheridan's voice is getting deeper?" "It's still asking for money, I know that.}}</ref> Hyacinth is blissfully oblivious of the seemingly obvious hints that Sheridan, who lives with a man named Tarquin (who makes his own curtains, wears silk [[Pajamas|pyjamas]], and has won prizes for embroidery), is homosexual.<ref name="bbckua">{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/keepingupappearances/ |title=BBC Keeping Up Appearances page}}</ref> It is at one point implied that Sheridan has [[Coming out|come out]] to his father.
Always hindering Hyacinth's best efforts to impress – and providing an unwelcome reminder of her less-than-refined roots – are her [[underclass]] sisters [[Daisy (Keeping Up Appearances)|Daisy]] ([[Judy Cornwell]]) and [[Rose (Keeping Up Appearances)|Rose]] ([[Shirley Stelfox]] in series 1; [[Mary Millar]] thereafter), and Daisy's proudly "bone-idle" husband [[Onslow (Keeping Up Appearances)|Onslow]] ([[Geoffrey Hughes]]). They, along with [[Daddy (Keeping Up Appearances)|Hyacinth's senile father]], frequently turn up inconveniently (usually in their clapped–out [[Ford Cortina#Mark IV (1976–1979)|Ford Cortina Mk IV]] – which always makes a characteristic backfire when it arrives), with Hyacinth going to great lengths to avoid them (saying "Richard, you know I love my family, but that's no reason why I should have to acknowledge them in broad daylight!"). Hyacinth's senile father frequently has flashbacks to the [[World War II|Second World War]], and often exhibits bizarre behaviour, sometimes involving embarrassing situations with women (Onslow describes him as "barmy"). Two relatives of whom Hyacinth is not ashamed are her wealthy sister Violet ([[Anna Dawson]]) and her [[Unseen character|unseen]] son Sheridan. Violet frequently telephones Hyacinth for advice, allowing her to loudly announce to anyone in earshot, "It's my sister Violet – the one with a [[Mercedes-Benz|Mercedes]], swimming pool/[[sauna]] and room for a pony". However, Violet's social acceptability is damaged by the eccentric behaviour of her [[transvestite]], [[Equestrianism|equestrian]]-loving husband Bruce, whom she violently attacks because of his behaviour. Hyacinth also tries to impress people with the intellectual prowess of her beloved Sheridan (who actually only takes courses in needlework at a [[Polytechnic (United Kingdom)|polytechnic]]). Hyacinth boasts about the "psychic" closeness of their relationship and how often he writes and phones her, although he never writes and usually phone calls only to ask for money (much to the despair of Richard).<ref>{{cite episode |series=Keeping Up Appearances |seriesno=5 |number=1 |time=1:03 |quote=Do you think Sheridan's voice is getting deeper?" "It's still asking for money, I know that.}}</ref> Hyacinth is blissfully oblivious of the seemingly obvious hints that Sheridan, who lives with a man named Tarquin (who makes his own curtains, wears silk [[Pajamas|pyjamas]], and has won prizes for embroidery), is homosexual.<ref name="bbckua">{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/keepingupappearances/ |title=BBC Keeping Up Appearances page}}</ref> It is at one point implied that Sheridan has [[Coming out|come out]] to his father.
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[[File:Keeping Up Appearances Cast.jpg|thumb|right|300px| The cast in 1991. Standing from left to right, [[Jeremy Gittins]], [[David Griffin (actor)|David Griffin]], [[Judy Cornwell]], [[Geoffrey Hughes]], and [[Mary Millar]].<br> Seated from left to right, [[Clive Swift]], [[Patricia Routledge]] and [[Josephine Tewson]].]]
[[File:Keeping Up Appearances Cast.jpg|thumb|right|300px| The cast in 1991. Standing from left to right, [[Jeremy Gittins]], [[David Griffin (actor)|David Griffin]], [[Judy Cornwell]], [[Geoffrey Hughes]], and [[Mary Millar]].<br> Seated from left to right, [[Clive Swift]], [[Patricia Routledge]] and [[Josephine Tewson]].]]


{{Main|List of Keeping Up Appearances characters}}
{{Main article|List of Keeping Up Appearances characters}}


* [[Patricia Routledge]] as Hyacinth Bucket
⚫
{| class="wikitable sortable"
* [[Clive Swift]] as Richard Bucket
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Character !! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Actor !! scope="col" colspan="5" | Series
* [[Josephine Tewson]] as Elizabeth 'Liz' Warden
|-
* [[Judy Cornwell]] as Daisy
! scope="col" | 1 !! scope="col" | 2 !! scope="col" | 3 !! scope="col" | 4 !! scope="col" | 5
* [[Geoffrey Hughes]] as Onslow
|-
* [[Shirley Stelfox]] as Rose (Series 1)
| data-sort-value="Bucket, Hyacinth" | [[Hyacinth Bucket]] || data-sort-value="Routledge, Patricia" | [[Patricia Routledge]] || {{ya}} || {{ya}} || {{ya}} || {{ya}} || {{ya}}
* [[Mary Millar]] as Rose (Series 2–5)
|-
* [[David Griffin (actor)|David Griffin]] as Emmet Hawksworth (Series 2–5)
| data-sort-value="Bucket, Richard" | [[Richard Bucket]] || data-sort-value="Swift, Clive" | [[Clive Swift]] || {{ya}} || {{ya}} || {{ya}} || {{ya}} || {{ya}}
* [[Jeremy Gittins]] as Michael, the [[Vicar (Anglicanism)|vicar]]
|-
* [[George Webb (actor)|George Webb]] as Daddy or Father (1990–1995)
| data-sort-value="Warden, Elizabeth" | [[List of Keeping Up Appearances characters#Elizabeth 'Liz' Warden|Elizabeth 'Liz' Warden]] || data-sort-value="Tewson, Josephine" | [[Josephine Tewson]] || {{ya}} || {{ya}} || {{ya}} || {{ya}} || {{ya}}
* [[Marion Barron]] as the Vicar's wife (1990–1995)
|-
* [[David Janson]] as the Postman (1992–1995)
| [[List of Keeping Up Appearances characters#Daisy|Daisy]] || data-sort-value="Cornwell, Judy" | [[Judy Cornwell]] || {{ya}} || {{ya}} || {{ya}} || {{ya}} || {{ya}}
* Robert Rawles as the Milkman (1990–1995)
|-
* [[Anna Dawson]] as Violet (1995)
| [[List of Keeping Up Appearances characters#Onslow|Onslow]] || data-sort-value="Hughes, Geoffrey" | [[Geoffrey Hughes]] || {{ya}} || {{ya}} || {{ya}} || {{ya}} || {{ya}}
* [[Peter Cellier]] as the Major (1990–1991)
|-
* [[Charmian May]] as Councillor Mrs. Nugent (1990–1992)
| rowspan="2" | [[List of Keeping Up Appearances characters#Rose|Rose]] || data-sort-value="Stelfox, Shirley" | [[Shirley Stelfox]] || {{ya}} || {{na}} || {{na}} || {{na}} || {{na}}
* John Evitts as Bruce (1995)
|-
| data-sort-value="Millar, Mary" | [[Mary Millar]] || {{na}} || {{ya}} || {{ya}} || {{ya}} || {{ya}}
|-
| data-sort-value="Hawksworth, Emmet" | [[Emmet Hawksworth]] || data-sort-value="Griffin, David" | [[David Griffin (actor)|David Griffin]] || {{na}} || {{ya}} || {{ya}} || {{ya}} || {{ya}}
|-
| data-sort-value="Partridge, Michael" | [[List of Keeping Up Appearances characters#Michael Partridge (the vicar)|Michael Partridge]] (the vicar) || data-sort-value="Gittins, Jeremy" | [[Jeremy Gittins]] || {{ya}} || {{ya}} || {{ya}} || {{ya}} || {{ya}}
|-
| [[List of Keeping Up Appearances characters#Daddy|Daddy]] / Father || data-sort-value="Webb, George" | [[George Webb (actor)|George Webb]] || {{ya}} || {{ya}} || {{ya}} || {{ya}} || {{ya}}
|-
| data-sort-value="Partridge, Mrs" | [[List of Keeping Up Appearances characters#Mrs Partridge (the vicar's wife)|Mrs Partridge]] (the vicar's wife) || data-sort-value="Barron, Marion" | [[Marion Barron]] || {{ya}} || {{ya}} || {{ya}} || {{ya}} || {{ya}}
|-
| rowspan="2" | [[List of Keeping Up Appearances characters#Michael (postman)|Michael]] (the postman) || data-sort-value="Dolan, Leo" | Leo Dolan || {{ya}} || {{na}} || {{na}} || {{na}} || {{na}}
|-
| data-sort-value="Janson, David" | [[David Janson]] || {{na}} || {{ya}} || {{ya}} || {{ya}} || {{ya}}
|-
| Milkman || data-sort-value="Rawles, Robert" | Robert Rawles || {{ya}} || {{ya}} || {{ya}} || {{ya}} || {{ya}}
|-
| [[List of Keeping Up Appearances characters#Violet and Bruce|Violet]] || data-sort-value="Dawson, Anna" | [[Anna Dawson]] || {{na}} || {{na}} || {{na}} || {{na}} || {{ya}}
|-
| data-sort-value="Smythe, Wilton" | [[List of Keeping Up Appearances characters#Major Wilton Smythe|Major Wilton Smythe]] || data-sort-value="Cellier, Peter" | [[Peter Cellier]] || {{ya}} || {{ya}} || {{na}} || {{na}} || {{na}}
|-
| data-sort-value="Nugent" | [[List of Keeping Up Appearances characters#Mrs Councillor Nugent|Mrs Nugent]] || data-sort-value="May, Charmian" | [[Charmian May]] || {{ya}} || {{ya}} || {{ya}} || {{na}} || {{na}}
|-
| [[List of Keeping Up Appearances characters#Violet and Bruce|Bruce]] || data-sort-value="Evitts, John" | John Evitts || {{na}} || {{na}} || {{na}} || {{na}} || {{ya}}
|}


== Episodes ==
== Episodes ==
{{Main|List of Keeping Up Appearances episodes}}
{{Main article|List of Keeping Up Appearances episodes}}


''Keeping Up Appearances'' aired for five series, four Christmas specials, and one short [[Children in Need]] special, from 29 October 1990 to 25 December 1995. The series officially ended after the episode "The Pageant", because Patricia Routledge wanted to focus on other TV and theatre work, including ''[[Hetty Wainthropp Investigates]]'' which began airing in 1996. Clive Swift, who portrayed Richard, stated in a BBC interview that Routledge "didn't want to be remembered as simply 'Mrs. Bucket'".<ref name="ComedyConn">{{cite episode |title=Comedy Connections – Keeping Up Appearances| series=Comedy Connections| serieslink=Comedy Connections#Series Two (2004) |network=[[BBC]]| station=[[BBC One]]| airdate=26 July 2004}}</ref>
''Keeping Up Appearances'' aired for five series, four Christmas specials, and one short [[Children in Need]] special, from 29 October 1990 to 25 December 1995. The series officially ended after the episode "The Pageant", because Patricia Routledge wanted to focus on other TV and theatre work, including ''[[Hetty Wainthropp Investigates]]'' which began airing in 1996. Clive Swift, who portrayed Richard, stated in a BBC interview that Routledge "didn't want to be remembered as simply 'Mrs. Bucket'".<ref name="ComedyConn">{{cite episode |title=Comedy Connections – Keeping Up Appearances| series=Comedy Connections| serieslink=Comedy Connections#Series Two (2004) |network=[[BBC]]| station=[[BBC One]]| airdate=26 July 2004}}</ref>


== Series summary ==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

|+ Series overview
=== Series 1–5 ===

⚫
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! scope="col" | Series !! scope="col" | Premiere !! scope="col" | Finale !! scope="col" | Episodes !! scope="col" | Specials
! Series !! Premiere !! Finale !! Episodes !! Specials !! Main cast
|-
|-
| '''1''' || 29 October 1990 || 3 December 1990 || 6 || 0
| '''1''' || 29 October 1990 || 3 December 1990 || 6 || 0 || [[Patricia Routledge]]<br/>[[Clive Swift]]<br/>[[Josephine Tewson]]<br/>[[Judy Cornwell]]<br/>[[Geoffrey Hughes]]<br/>[[Shirley Stelfox]]
|-
|-
| '''2''' || 1 September 1991 || 3 November 1991 || 10 || 1
| '''2''' || 1 September 1991 || 3 November 1991 || 10 || 1 ||rowspan="4"|[[Patricia Routledge]]<br/>[[Clive Swift]]<br/>[[Josephine Tewson]]<br/>[[David Griffin (actor)|David Griffin]]<br/>[[Judy Cornwell]]<br/>[[Geoffrey Hughes]]<br/>[[Mary Millar]]
|-
|-
| '''3''' || 6 September 1992 || 18 October 1992 || 7 || 0
| '''3''' || 6 September 1992 || 18 October 1992 || 7 || 0
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Exterior shots around Daisy and Onslow's [[council house|council terrace]] were taped in [[Stoke Aldermoor]] in [[Coventry]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&geocode=FbyAHwMduHLp_w&split=0&sll=52.395833,-1.476824&sspn=0.007607,0.021007&hq=&hnear=Stoke+Aldermoor,+Mitchell+Close+(adj)&t=h&layer=xc&g=Stoke+Aldermoor,+Mitchell+Close+(adj),+Coventry+CV3,+United+Kingdom&ll=52.395964,-1.477758&spn=0,0.010504&z=17&cbll=52.395695,-1.478187&panoid=TJL5Bg1Q3t3m4d9enbxktg&cbp=12,84.84,,0,5 |title=Onslow and Daisy's Street View |publisher=[[Google Maps]] |accessdate=5 October 2014}}</ref> Other exterior street and town shots were taped in [[Royal Leamington Spa|Leamington Spa]], and in various towns throughout [[Warwickshire]], along with many scenes from the large town of [[Northampton]], mainly the church hall. Some scenes were also shot in [[Swindon]], [[Oxford]], and [[Bristol]]. One scene was shot in [[Oslo]], [[Norway]]. One episode was filmed in [[Great Yarmouth]], mainly in the [[Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach|Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach Theme Park]].
Exterior shots around Daisy and Onslow's [[council house|council terrace]] were taped in [[Stoke Aldermoor]] in [[Coventry]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&geocode=FbyAHwMduHLp_w&split=0&sll=52.395833,-1.476824&sspn=0.007607,0.021007&hq=&hnear=Stoke+Aldermoor,+Mitchell+Close+(adj)&t=h&layer=xc&g=Stoke+Aldermoor,+Mitchell+Close+(adj),+Coventry+CV3,+United+Kingdom&ll=52.395964,-1.477758&spn=0,0.010504&z=17&cbll=52.395695,-1.478187&panoid=TJL5Bg1Q3t3m4d9enbxktg&cbp=12,84.84,,0,5 |title=Onslow and Daisy's Street View |publisher=[[Google Maps]] |accessdate=5 October 2014}}</ref> Other exterior street and town shots were taped in [[Royal Leamington Spa|Leamington Spa]], and in various towns throughout [[Warwickshire]], along with many scenes from the large town of [[Northampton]], mainly the church hall. Some scenes were also shot in [[Swindon]], [[Oxford]], and [[Bristol]]. One scene was shot in [[Oslo]], [[Norway]]. One episode was filmed in [[Great Yarmouth]], mainly in the [[Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach|Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach Theme Park]].


The opening sequence shows Hyacinth writing an invitation to one of her trademark candlelight suppers; this invitation lists Hyacinth's address as "Waney Edge, Blossom Avenue, Fuddleton". In the same sequence, the invitation is eventually sent to an address in Eddleton. Neither town actually exists. However, there are several references to the characters being in the [[West Midlands (region)|West Midlands]] throughout the series, as when Hyacinth said that she could become the "[[Barbara Cartland]] of the West Midlands Social Circuit Scene" in the episode "[[List of Keeping Up Appearances episodes#Episodes|The Hostess]]". In another episode, police officers wearing [[West Midlands Police]] jumpers escort Richard home and several West Midlands Travel busses are also seen throughout the series.
The opening sequence shows Hyacinth writing an invitation to one of her trademark candlelight suppers; this invitation lists Hyacinth's address as "Waney Edge, Blossom Avenue, Fuddleton". In the same sequence, the invitation is eventually sent to an address in Eddleton. Neither town actually exists. However, there are several references to the characters being in the [[West Midlands (region)|West Midlands]] throughout the series, as when Hyacinth said that she could become the "[[Barbara Cartland]] of the West Midlands Social Circuit Scene" in the episode "[[List of Keeping Up Appearances episodes#Episodes|The Hostess]]". In another episode, police officers wearing [[West Midlands Police]] jumpers escort Richard home.


=== Vehicles ===
=== Vehicles ===
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* ''Life Lessons from Onslow''
* ''Life Lessons from Onslow''
In early 2008, Geoffrey Hughes reprised his role as Onslow once again for a clipshow of the series; this was to be broadcast on American television, and sees him teaching a credit course at the [[Open University]], and has selected "successful relationships" as his subject matter. The special was also released on Region 1 DVD.
In early 2008, Geoffrey Hughes reprised his role as Onslow once again for a clipshow of the series; this was to be broadcast on American television, and sees him teaching a credit course at the [[Open University]], and has selected "successful relationships" as his subject matter. The special was also released on Region 1 DVD.

* ''Mind Your Manors''
When ''Keeping Up Appearances'' didn't return after Patricia Routledge announced she no longer wished to play Hyacinth, this proposed spin-off series would have seen Onslow forced to take a supposedly "easy" job tending the gardens of a large manor house estate owned by a doddery and rather forgetful old Lord. When the Lord passes away suddenly, Onslow, Daisy and Rose (whom it is implied was having a fling with the Lord, causing the heart attack which led to his passing) end up 'temporarily' moving into the manor house to mind it, due to a legal dispute with the deceased Lord's estranged brother (whom Rose immediately starts lusting after) who wants the land. A mislaid deeds paper left by the forgetful old Lord would supposedly clarify who has rights to the estate, buried somewhere in the gardens that Onslow is left to ineptly try and keep in shape. Most of the conflict would have come from the Lord's brother and the manor's snooty neighbours, the wealthy Hyde-Whytes, who are not happy about the "commoners" who have taken up residence next door (although it later transpires that Mr. Hyde-Whyte used to know Onslow in their youth and is indebted to him after Onslow once took the fall for him to stop him being arrested). [[Su Pollard]] was approached to play the role of Miss Dorothy Henshaw, the Lord's eccentric and easily flustered cook / house-keeper who remains with the estate, and some preliminary location shooting was reportedly undertaken, though this possibly may be connected with the "missing" final episode of Series 5, "The Bishop Affair".<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.tv.com/shows/keeping-up-appearances/the-bishop-affair-917428/| title=Season 5 Episode 12 - "The Bishop Affair"}}</ref> This proposed follow-up series was ultimately not commissioned, with Geoffrey Hughes continuing with his portrayal as Onslow in the above listed specials instead.


[[Mary Millar]], who played Rose from series two to series five, died on 10 November 1998. [[George Webb (actor)|George Webb]], who played Daddy, died on 30 December 1998. [[Charmian May]], who played Mrs. Councillor Nugent, died on 24 October 2002. [[Geoffrey Hughes]], who played Onslow, died on 27 July 2012. [[Shirley Stelfox]], who played Rose in series one, died on 7 December 2015.
[[Mary Millar]], who played Rose from series two to series five, died on 10 November 1998. [[George Webb (actor)|George Webb]], who played Daddy, died on 30 December 1998. [[Charmian May]], who played Mrs. Councillor Nugent, died on 24 October 2002. [[Geoffrey Hughes]], who played Onslow, died on 27 July 2012. [[Shirley Stelfox]], who played Rose in series one, died on 7 December 2015.
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=== Streaming ===
=== Streaming ===
In the United States, the complete series was available via [[Streaming media|streaming]] through [[Netflix]] and [[Amazon Video]], but is no longer available to stream on either platform.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Keeping-Up-Appearances-Episode-1-1/dp/B004CEK51E |title=Keeping Up Appearances: Season 1, Episode 1 "Daddy's Accident" |publisher=Amazon.com |date= |accessdate=3 July 2013}}</ref> However, it is available for streaming on BritBox. In Australia the complete series is available for streaming on Stan as of 2018.
In the United States, the complete series was available via [[Streaming media|streaming]] through [[Netflix]] and [[Amazon Video]], but is no longer available to stream on either platform.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Keeping-Up-Appearances-Episode-1-1/dp/B004CEK51E |title=Keeping Up Appearances: Season 1, Episode 1 "Daddy's Accident" |publisher=Amazon.com |date= |accessdate=3 July 2013}}</ref> However, it is available for streaming on BritBox.


=== Books ===
=== Books ===
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== Theatre adaptation ==
== Theatre adaptation ==
In 2010, the television show was adapted into a play entitled ''Keeping Up Appearances'' that toured theatres in the UK.<ref>{{cite web |last=Berry |first=Kevin |title=Keeping Up Appearances |url=http://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/review.php/28457/keeping-up-appearances |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531105104/http://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/review.php/28457/keeping-up-appearances |dead-url=yes |archive-date=31 May 2014 |work=thestage.co.uk |accessdate=4 July 2013 |date=3 June 2010 }}</ref> The cast included [[Rachel Bell]] as Hyacinth, [[Kim Hartman]] as Elizabeth, [[Gareth Hale]] as Onslow, [[Steven Pinder]] as Emmet, [[Debbie Arnold]] as Rose, [[David Janson]] (who had previously appeared in the TV show as the postman) as Mr Edward Milson, a new character created for the stage show,<ref>{{cite web|last=Burbridge |first=Steve |title=Theatre review: Keeping Up Appearances at Darlington Civic Theatre and touring |url=http://www.britishtheatreguide.info/reviews/keepingappear-rev |work=[[British Theatre Guide]] |accessdate=4 July 2013}}</ref> Christine Moore as Daisy and Sarah Whitlock as Mrs Debden.<ref>{{cite web|last=Barr |first=Gordon |title=Preview: Keeping Up Appearances, Playhouse Whitley Bay |url=http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/theatre/preview-keeping-up-appearances-playhouse-1416155 |work=[[Evening Chronicle|The Chronicle]] |accessdate=4 July 2013 |date=12 June 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150118164306/http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/theatre/preview-keeping-up-appearances-playhouse-1416155 |archivedate=18 January 2015 |df= }}</ref> Main character Richard Bucket, Hyacinth's husband, does not appear in the production, but is frequently referred to: Hyacinth addresses to him off-stage and talks to him on the phone. The main plot of the show revolves around Emmet directing a play at the local village hall, but when Hyacinth is cast in the play's leading role disaster is in the making.
In 2010, the television show was adapted into a play entitled ''Keeping Up Appearances'' that toured theatres in the UK.<ref>{{cite web |last=Berry |first=Kevin |title=Keeping Up Appearances |url=http://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/review.php/28457/keeping-up-appearances |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531105104/http://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/review.php/28457/keeping-up-appearances |dead-url=yes |archive-date=31 May 2014 |work=thestage.co.uk |accessdate=4 July 2013 |date=3 June 2010 }}</ref> The cast included [[Rachel Bell]] as Hyacinth, [[Kim Hartman]] as Elizabeth, [[Gareth Hale]] as Onslow, [[Steven Pinder]] as Emmet, [[Debbie Arnold]] as Rose, [[David Janson]] (who had previously appeared in the TV show as the postman) as Mr Edward Milton, a new character created for the stage show,<ref>{{cite web|last=Burbridge |first=Steve |title=Theatre review: Keeping Up Appearances at Darlington Civic Theatre and touring |url=http://www.britishtheatreguide.info/reviews/keepingappear-rev |work=[[British Theatre Guide]] |accessdate=4 July 2013}}</ref> Christine Moore as Daisy and Sarah Whitlock as Mrs Debden.<ref>{{cite web|last=Barr |first=Gordon |title=Preview: Keeping Up Appearances, Playhouse Whitley Bay |url=http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/theatre/preview-keeping-up-appearances-playhouse-1416155 |work=[[Evening Chronicle|The Chronicle]] |accessdate=4 July 2013 |date=12 June 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150118164306/http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/theatre/preview-keeping-up-appearances-playhouse-1416155 |archivedate=18 January 2015 |df= }}</ref> Main character Richard Bucket, Hyacinth's husband, does not appear in the production, but is frequently referred to: Hyacinth addresses to him off-stage and talks to him on the phone. The main plot of the show revolves around Emmet directing a play at the local village hall, but when Hyacinth is cast in the play's leading role disaster is in the making.


This adaptation, directed by playwright Johnny Culver, made its American premiere in New York City in March 2015, at the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church Theater Fellowship/Jones Auditorium. Culver directed an additional production of this adaptation with performances on 5 August 2017 and 6 August 2017 at Saint Luke's Episcopal Church in Forest Hills, Queens.
This adaptation, directed by playwright Johnny Culver, made its American premiere in New York City in March 2015, at the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church Theater Fellowship/Jones Auditorium. Culver directed an additional production of this adaptation with performances on 5 August 2017 and 6 August 2017 at Saint Luke's Episcopal Church in Forest Hills, Queens.


== Prequel ==
== Prequel ==
In 2015, it was announced that a [[prequel]] to the series entitled ''[[Young Hyacinth]]'' would be made, following a 19-year-old Hyacinth Bucket during the early postwar years and set some forty years before the events of ''Keeping Up Appearances''.<ref name="younghyacinth">{{cite news |last1=Foster |first1=Patrick |title=Keeping Up Appearances set to return as Young Hyacinth |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/bbc/11999379/Keeping-Up-Appearances-set-to-return-as-Young-Hyacinth.html |accessdate=21 November 2015 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |date=16 November 2015}}</ref> The cast were announced on 11 April 2016.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2016/young-hyacinth |title=Kerry Howard to play Young Hyacinth in a special prequel to Keeping Up Appearances for BBC One |work=BBC |publisher=BBC |date=11 April 2016 |accessdate=15 April 2016}}</ref> Hyacinth was played by [[Kerry Howard]]; Rose by Katie Redford; Daisy by Katherine Pearce; Violet by [[Tamla Kari]] and Daddy by [[Mark Addy]]. It was broadcast on BBC One on 2 September 2016.<ref>{{cite web| title=Young Hyacinth| url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07td567| publisher=BBC| accessdate=27 April 2017}}</ref> The prequel sees Hyacinth working as a maid and attempting to manage her family so they appear well above their means. In the special, Hyacinth is in a relationship with a Mr. William Hitchcock, whom Hyacinth forces to dress up and wear a hat when they walk. The special ends with her drunken Daddy falling into the canal, which Hyacinth's employers see, causing her great embarrassment. However, she blames Daddy's behaviour on "an old war injury".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/news/a790173/keeping-up-appearances-remake-kerry-howard-will-play-a-young-hyacinth/ |title=Keeping Up Appearances remake casts Kerry Howard as a young Hyacinth |last=Warner |first=Sam |date=11 April 2016 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |accessdate=12 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/coronation-street/news/a790286/katie-redford-lands-new-role-in-keeping-up-appearances-prequel/ |title=Sacked Coronation Street star Katie Redford lands a new role in the Keeping Up Appearances prequel |last=Harp |first=Justin |date=11 April 2016 |work=Digital Spy |accessdate= 12 April 2016}}</ref> Approximately 4.14 million viewers watched the show within seven days of its broadcast, making it the 22nd most watched BBC One show for the week ending 4 September. A total of 4.39 million viewers watched the show within 28 days of its initial broadcast.<ref>{{cite web| title=Weekly top 30 programmes| url=http://www.barb.co.uk/viewing-data/weekly-top-30/ |publisher=[[Broadcasters' Audience Research Board]] |accessdate=27 April 2017}}</ref>
In 2015, it was announced that a [[prequel]] to the series entitled ''[[Young Hyacinth]]'' would be made, following a 19-year-old Hyacinth Bucket during the early postwar years and set some forty years before the events of ''Keeping Up Appearances''.<ref name="younghyacinth">{{cite news |last1=Foster |first1=Patrick |title=Keeping Up Appearances set to return as Young Hyacinth |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/bbc/11999379/Keeping-Up-Appearances-set-to-return-as-Young-Hyacinth.html |accessdate=21 November 2015 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |date=16 November 2015}}</ref> The cast were announced on 11 April 2016.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2016/young-hyacinth |title=Kerry Howard to play Young Hyacinth in a special prequel to Keeping Up Appearances for BBC One |work=BBC |publisher=BBC |date=11 April 2016 |accessdate=15 April 2016}}</ref> Hyacinth was played by [[Kerry Howard]]; Rose by Katie Redford; Daisy by Katherine Pearce; Violet by [[Tamla Kari]] and Daddy by [[Mark Addy]]. It was broadcast on BBC One on 2 September 2016.<ref>{{cite web| title=Young Hyacinth| url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07td567| publisher=BBC| accessdate=27 April 2017}}</ref> The prequel sees Hyacinth working as a maid and attempting to manage her family so they appear well above their means. In the special, Hyacinth is in a relationship with a Mr. Will Hitchcock, whom Hyacinth forces to dress up and wear a hat when they walk. The special ends with her drunken Daddy falling into the canal, which Hyacinth's employers see, causing her great embarrassment. However, she blames Daddy's behaviour on "an old war injury".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/news/a790173/keeping-up-appearances-remake-kerry-howard-will-play-a-young-hyacinth/ |title=Keeping Up Appearances remake casts Kerry Howard as a young Hyacinth |last=Warner |first=Sam |date=11 April 2016 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |accessdate=12 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/coronation-street/news/a790286/katie-redford-lands-new-role-in-keeping-up-appearances-prequel/ |title=Sacked Coronation Street star Katie Redford lands a new role in the Keeping Up Appearances prequel |last=Harp |first=Justin |date=11 April 2016 |work=Digital Spy |accessdate= 12 April 2016}}</ref> Approximately 4.14 million viewers watched the show within seven days of its broadcast, making it the 22nd most watched BBC One show for the week ending 4 September. A total of 4.39 million viewers watched the show within 28 days of its initial broadcast.<ref>{{cite web| title=Weekly top 30 programmes| url=http://www.barb.co.uk/viewing-data/weekly-top-30/ |publisher=[[Broadcasters' Audience Research Board]] |accessdate=27 April 2017}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
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{{Wiktionary|room for a pony}}
{{Wiktionary|room for a pony}}
{{wikiquote}}
{{wikiquote}}
{{Wikiquote|Hyacinth Bucket}}


* {{BBC Online|id=comedy/keepingupappearances/index.shtml|title=''Keeping Up Appearances''}}
* {{BBC Online|id=comedy/keepingupappearances/index.shtml|title=''Keeping Up Appearances''}}
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* {{IMDb title|0098837}}
* {{IMDb title|0098837}}
* {{tv.com show|keeping-up-appearances}}
* {{tv.com show|keeping-up-appearances}}
* http://www.uk-comedy.net
* [https://globalfilmlocations.net/2016/11/11/keeping-up-appearances-filming-locations/ Filming Locations]
{{Roy Clarke}}
{{Roy Clarke}}


[[Category:1990 British television programme debuts]]
[[Category:1990 British television programme debuts]]
[[Category:1995 British television programme endings]]
[[Category:1995 British television programme endings]]
[[Category:1990s British sitcoms]]
[[Category:1990s British comedy television series]]
[[Category:Australian Broadcasting Corporation shows]]
[[Category:Australian Broadcasting Corporation shows]]
[[Category:BBC Radio comedy programmes]]
[[Category:BBC Radio comedy programmes]]

Revision as of 08:32, 30 May 2018

Keeping Up Appearances
GenreSitcom
Created byRoy Clarke
Written byRoy Clarke
Directed byHarold Snoad
StarringPatricia Routledge
Clive Swift
Josephine Tewson
Geoffrey Hughes
Judy Cornwell
David Griffin (series 2–5)
Mary Millar (series 2–5)
Shirley Stelfox (series 1)
Country of originUnited Kingdom
No. of series5
No. of episodes44 + 2 shorts (list of episodes)
Production
ProducerHarold Snoad
Production locationsBinley Woods, Warwickshire, England;
(Hyacinth's House)
Stoke Aldermoor, Coventry, West Midlands, England;
(Daisy and Onslow's council house)
Leamington Spa, England
(Towns and various locations)
Northampton, England;
(Church, Church Hall and Vicarage)
Swindon, Wiltshire, England;
Oxford, England;
Bristol, England;
Great Yarmouth Norfolk, England;
Copenhagen, Denmark;
(location scenes)
Camera setupSingle-camera
Running time30 minutes
50 minutes (1994 Christmas special)
60 minutes (1993 Christmas special)
Production companyBBC
Original release
NetworkBBC One
Release29 October 1990 (1990-10-29) –
25 December 1995 (1995-12-25)
Related
Young Hyacinth

Keeping Up Appearances is a British sitcom created and written by Roy Clarke for the BBC, centred on the life of eccentric and snobbish middle class social climber Hyacinth Bucket, who insists that her surname is pronounced "Bouquet".[2] The sitcom follows Hyacinth in her attempts to prove her social superiority and to gain standing with those she considers upper class; attempts that are constantly hampered by her decidedly lower class extended family whom she desperately seeks to hide. Much of the humour comes from the culture clash between Hyacinth's vision of herself and the reality of her working-class background, plus the farcical situations in which she finds herself as she battles to protect her social credibility.

The show spawned five series and 44 episodes, four of which are Christmas specials. Keeping Up Appearances was a great success in the UK and also captured large audiences in the US, Canada, Australia, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Belgium and the Netherlands, but ceased production in 1995 when its star Patricia Routledge wanted to move on to other projects. Since its original release, all five series—including the Christmas specials—have been available on DVD. It is regularly repeated worldwide on TV channels including PBS in the US, BBC One, Gold and Drama in the UK and Ireland and 7TWO in Australia. It came 12th in 2004's Britain's Best Sitcom poll.

In February 2016, BBC Worldwide confirmed that Keeping Up Appearances is the corporation's most exported television programme, being sold nearly 1,000 times to overseas broadcasters. A prequel titled Young Hyacinth, featuring Hyacinth as a 19-year-old maid in the 1950s, premiered in September 2016.[3]

Background

Hyacinth Bucket (Patricia Routledge)— who insists her surname is pronounced Bouquet (although her husband Richard has said, "It was always 'Bucket' until I met you!")[4] — is an over-bearing, social-climbing snob, originally from a poor working-class background, whose main mission in life is to impress others with her lifestyle, perceived affluence and refinement. She's terrified that her background will be revealed, and goes to great lengths to hide it. Hyacinth likes to spend her days visiting stately homes (convinced she will meet and strike up a friendship with the upper-class owners, especially if they are aristocratic) and hosting "executive-style" candlelight suppers (with her Royal Worcester double-glazed Avignon china and Royal Doulton china with "the hand-painted periwinkles").[5] She ostentatiously brags about her possessions to others, including her "white slimline telephone with automatic redial," which she always answers with "The Bouquet residence, the lady of the house speaking."[6] (Frequently she receives misdialed calls asking for a Chinese take-away, making her very angry.) She speaks in an exaggerated RP-like accent with Northern undertones, while her relatives speak in broad Northern accents. Her neighbours speak in milder RP accents. When flustered, Hyacinth regresses to her native Northern accent for a while.

Hyacinth's attempts to impress make the lives of those around her difficult; her continual efforts to improve her social position usually involve inviting her unwitting neighbours and friends to 'exclusive candlelit suppers'. Although Hyacinth is not deterred by the lack of response to her attempts, nearly everyone around her lives in fear of being invited, and usually makes frantic attempts to excuse themselves. Unfortunately, her husband Richard (Clive Swift) bears the brunt of the suffering. He initially worked for the council but, at the beginning of series 3, reluctantly accepts early retirement. Although he loves her with a long-suffering endurance, he is notably exasperated by her plans and her habit of making extravagant and unnecessary purchases. Although she lives to impress others, Hyacinth regularly competes with the upper-middle-class neighbors (whom she considers snobbish show-offs), such as Sonia Barker-Finch, Delia Wheelwright and Lydia Hawksworth (who alone of Hyacinth's rivals seems to be an actual snob, as she disdains kiwifruit as "lower middle class".) Hyacinth sometimes says things like "I haven't a snobbish bone in my body" or "I can't abide such snobbery like that" when talking about those she considers her competition.

Always hindering Hyacinth's best efforts to impress – and providing an unwelcome reminder of her less-than-refined roots – are her underclass sisters Daisy (Judy Cornwell) and Rose (Shirley Stelfox in series 1; Mary Millar thereafter), and Daisy's proudly "bone-idle" husband Onslow (Geoffrey Hughes). They, along with Hyacinth's senile father, frequently turn up inconveniently (usually in their clapped–out Ford Cortina Mk IV – which always makes a characteristic backfire when it arrives), with Hyacinth going to great lengths to avoid them (saying "Richard, you know I love my family, but that's no reason why I should have to acknowledge them in broad daylight!"). Hyacinth's senile father frequently has flashbacks to the Second World War, and often exhibits bizarre behaviour, sometimes involving embarrassing situations with women (Onslow describes him as "barmy"). Two relatives of whom Hyacinth is not ashamed are her wealthy sister Violet (Anna Dawson) and her unseen son Sheridan. Violet frequently telephones Hyacinth for advice, allowing her to loudly announce to anyone in earshot, "It's my sister Violet – the one with a Mercedes, swimming pool/sauna and room for a pony". However, Violet's social acceptability is damaged by the eccentric behaviour of her transvestite, equestrian-loving husband Bruce, whom she violently attacks because of his behaviour. Hyacinth also tries to impress people with the intellectual prowess of her beloved Sheridan (who actually only takes courses in needlework at a polytechnic). Hyacinth boasts about the "psychic" closeness of their relationship and how often he writes and phones her, although he never writes and usually phone calls only to ask for money (much to the despair of Richard).[7] Hyacinth is blissfully oblivious of the seemingly obvious hints that Sheridan, who lives with a man named Tarquin (who makes his own curtains, wears silk pyjamas, and has won prizes for embroidery), is homosexual.[8] It is at one point implied that Sheridan has come out to his father.

Hyacinth's neighbour Elizabeth Warden (Josephine Tewson) is frequently invited round to the Buckets' for coffee. Though she is ordinarily calm, Liz's nerves go to pieces in Hyacinth's house, causing her to smash Hyacinth's china and spill coffee and biscuits on Hyacinth's Burmese rug.[9] She is married with a daughter away at University, but her husband works abroad and, like Sheridan, neither character ever appears. Elizabeth is occasionally able to 'one-up' Hyacinth herself by reminding her neighbour that her daughter is at University, whilst Sheridan is studying at a lesser Polytechnic. Liz's brother Emmet (David Griffin) moves in with her at the beginning of series 2 after a messy divorce. Hyacinth, upon learning that Emmet is a musician, frequently and abruptly sings out-of-key at him in an attempt to get a part in one of his productions, making him terrified of leaving the house, lest she see him ("She'll sing at me!"). Emmet's problems are further complicated by Hyacinth's mistaken belief that his frightened reactions indicate that he is infatuated with her which, in fact, could not be further from the truth.

Hyacinth frequently confronts the postman with complaints, such as having to receive mail bearing second class stamps, harassing him to the point that he will go to extreme lengths not to face her; and she often forces workmen and other visitors to her home to remove their shoes before entering. Michael, the vicar of the local church (Jeremy Gittins) is also loath to face the overbearing Hyacinth, to whom he refers (to others) as "the Bucket woman". The vicar and his wife sometimes exact comic revenge on Hyacinth for her snobbishness; on one occasion, when she was one of a group of volunteer helpers at the church, the vicar's wife saw to it that Hyacinth's hand went up prematurely and assigned her the job of cleaning the church toilets.

Cast

The cast in 1991. Standing from left to right, Jeremy Gittins, David Griffin, Judy Cornwell, Geoffrey Hughes, and Mary Millar.
Seated from left to right, Clive Swift, Patricia Routledge and Josephine Tewson.
Main article: List of Keeping Up Appearances characters

Episodes

Main article: List of Keeping Up Appearances episodes

Keeping Up Appearances aired for five series, four Christmas specials, and one short Children in Need special, from 29 October 1990 to 25 December 1995. The series officially ended after the episode "The Pageant", because Patricia Routledge wanted to focus on other TV and theatre work, including Hetty Wainthropp Investigates which began airing in 1996. Clive Swift, who portrayed Richard, stated in a BBC interview that Routledge "didn't want to be remembered as simply 'Mrs. Bucket'".[10]

Series summary

Series 1–5

Series Premiere Finale Episodes Specials Main cast
1 29 October 1990 3 December 1990 6 0 Patricia Routledge
Clive Swift
Josephine Tewson
Judy Cornwell
Geoffrey Hughes
Shirley Stelfox
2 1 September 1991 3 November 1991 10 1 Patricia Routledge
Clive Swift
Josephine Tewson
David Griffin
Judy Cornwell
Geoffrey Hughes
Mary Millar
3 6 September 1992 18 October 1992 7 0
4 5 September 1993 17 October 1993 7 2
5 3 September 1995 5 November 1995 10 1

Production

Locations

The council terrace in Stoke Aldermoor occupied by Daisy and Onslow

Exterior shots around Hyacinth's house were taped in Binley Woods, Warwickshire, a village east of Coventry.[11]

Exterior shots around Daisy and Onslow's council terrace were taped in Stoke Aldermoor in Coventry.[12] Other exterior street and town shots were taped in Leamington Spa, and in various towns throughout Warwickshire, along with many scenes from the large town of Northampton, mainly the church hall. Some scenes were also shot in Swindon, Oxford, and Bristol. One scene was shot in Oslo, Norway. One episode was filmed in Great Yarmouth, mainly in the Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach Theme Park.

The opening sequence shows Hyacinth writing an invitation to one of her trademark candlelight suppers; this invitation lists Hyacinth's address as "Waney Edge, Blossom Avenue, Fuddleton". In the same sequence, the invitation is eventually sent to an address in Eddleton. Neither town actually exists. However, there are several references to the characters being in the West Midlands throughout the series, as when Hyacinth said that she could become the "Barbara Cartland of the West Midlands Social Circuit Scene" in the episode "The Hostess". In another episode, police officers wearing West Midlands Police jumpers escort Richard home.

Vehicles

Richard and Hyacinth Bucket's car is a Rover 200-series (SD3) saloon. Early episodes show a light blue 1987 216S bearing the number plate D541 EXL, but later episodes feature a sky blue 1989 216SE EFi model (bearing same number plate bar one letter, now D541 EFL).[13]

Onslow drives a 1978 Ford Cortina (number plate VSD 389S) that is in poor condition and backfires loudly almost every time it starts or stops, embarrassing Hyacinth, and frequently crushing her hopes of creating a perfect impression with new people. Onslow is also the owner of the rusting carcass of a Hillman Avenger in his front garden, wherein lives Onslow's dog that always barks at Hyacinth as she approaches.[13]

Violet and Bruce own a Mercedes-Benz W126 S-class and later a Mercedes-Benz W202 C-class.

Neighbour Elizabeth drives a white 1989 Austin Metro City hatchback with number plate F434 RLA (which, despite being the subject of comments from Hyacinth about its age, is actually newer than Richard's car).[13]

After Keeping Up Appearances

Various shows related to the programs were released:

  • The Memoirs of Hyacinth Bucket

In March 1997, Geoffrey Hughes and Judy Cornwell reprised their roles as Onslow and Daisy for a special compilation episode recorded for broadcast in the United States on PBS. The show sees the pair introduce classic clips from the series.

In 2004, the documentary series featured an episode dedicated to Keeping Up Appearances. Stars Clive Swift, Josephine Tewson, Judy Cornwell and David Griffin, along with writer Roy Clarke and producer/director Harold Snoad, all discussed the series. Clips from an interview with Patricia Routledge from 2002 were also included. The episode revealed that there were serious artistic differences between Clarke and Snoad. Specifically, Clarke refused to act as anything but a writer and rarely visited the set or location shoots, necessitating that Snoad make minor rewrites to accommodate the realities of taping. This infuriated Clarke, who disliked any tampering of his work, and Snoad thought Clarke was being unreasonable. The situation was mitigated in later series by the hiring of a production assistant whose sole job was to keep Clarke apprised of Snoad's changes, and to keep Snoad informed of Clarke's opinion of them.[10]

  • Life Lessons from Onslow

In early 2008, Geoffrey Hughes reprised his role as Onslow once again for a clipshow of the series; this was to be broadcast on American television, and sees him teaching a credit course at the Open University, and has selected "successful relationships" as his subject matter. The special was also released on Region 1 DVD.

Mary Millar, who played Rose from series two to series five, died on 10 November 1998. George Webb, who played Daddy, died on 30 December 1998. Charmian May, who played Mrs. Councillor Nugent, died on 24 October 2002. Geoffrey Hughes, who played Onslow, died on 27 July 2012. Shirley Stelfox, who played Rose in series one, died on 7 December 2015.

Merchandise

Audio

In 1998, the BBC released three episodes of the show: "A Job for Richard", "Country Retreat" and "Sea Fever" on audio cassette. Clive Swift reprised his role as Richard recording a narrative to compensate for the lack of images.

VHS

BBC Video released three videos featuring episodes from the series.

  • How to Enhance Your Husband's Retirement

This was released in 1993 and featured the episodes: "Iron Age Remains", "What to Wear when Yachting" and "How to Go on Holiday Without Really Trying".

  • Sea Fever

This was released in 1994 and featured the episodes: "Sea Fever" and "A Job for Richard".

  • Rural Retreat

This was released in 1995 and featured the episodes: "Country Retreat", "Let There Be Light" and "Please Mind Your Head".

DVD

United States – Region 1
  • My Way or the Hyacinth Way (volume 1) – released 18 March 2003 (contains the complete series 1)
  • Hints from Hyacinth (volume 2) – released 18 March 2003 (contains episodes 1–5 from series 2)
  • Home is Where the Hyacinth Is (volume 3) – released 18 March 2003 (contains episodes 6–10 from series 2)
  • Deck the Halls with Hyacinth (volume 4) – released 18 March 2003 (contains all 4 Christmas Specials from 1991, 1993, 1994 & 1995)
  • Hyacinth in Full Bloom – released 18 March 2003 (contains volumes 1–4)
  • Everything's Coming Up Hyacinth (volume 5) – released 3 February 2004 (contains the complete series 3)
  • Some Like it Hyacinth (volume 6) – released 3 February 2004 (contains the complete series 4)
  • Living the Hyacinth Life (volume 7) – released 3 February 2004 (contains episodes 1–6 from series 5)
  • Hats Off to Hyacinth (volume 8) – released 3 February 2004 (contains episodes 7–10 from series 5 & the special "The Memoirs of Hyacinth Bucket")
  • Hyacinth Springs Eternal – released 3 February 2004 (contains volumes 5–8)
  • The Full Bouquet – released 7 September 2004 (complete series – contains volumes 1–8)
  • The Full Bouquet: Special Edition – released 9 September 2008 (complete series re-release, everything from volumes 1–8 & special "Life Lessons from Onslow")
  • Life Lessons from Onslow – released 9 September 2008
  • Collector's Edition – 5 November 2013 (contains all 5 series and every special)
United Kingdom – Region 2
  • Series 1 & 2 – released 7 March 2003
  • Series 3 & 4 – released 16 February 2004 (includes the 1991 Christmas special)
  • Series 5 – released 26 December 2006 (includes Christmas Specials from 1993, 1994 & 1995)
  • The Essential Collection – released 8 October 2007 (complete series)
  • The Complete Collection – released 23 September 2013 (complete series re-release, slimmer version)
  • Christmas Specials – released 3 November 2014 (contains all 4 Christmas specials)
Australia – Region 4
  • Series 1 & 2 – released 1 September 2003[14]
  • Series 3 & 4 – released 8 July 2004[15]
  • Series 5 – released 3 November 2005[16]
  • Christmas Specials – released 11 November 2005[17]
  • The Complete Series – released 2005
  • Life Lessons from Onslow – released 15 April 2010[18]

Streaming

In the United States, the complete series was available via streaming through Netflix and Amazon Video, but is no longer available to stream on either platform.[19] However, it is available for streaming on BritBox.

Books

Three books related to the series have been released in the UK. Two were written by Jonathan Rice and published by BBC Books and the other one was written by Harold Snoad (the director of Keeping Up Appearances) and was published by Book Guild Publishing.

  • Hyacinth Bucket's book of etiquette for the socially less fortunate

This was first published in 1993, and is a light-hearted guide to manners, as seen through Hyacinth Bucket's eyes. It is based on the TV series' scripts and contains many black-and-white photos of scenes from the show.

  • Hyacinth Bucket's Hectic Social Calendar

This was published in 1995 and is presented in a diary format chronicling a year in Hyacinth Bucket's life, with typical comments about her relations and neighbours.

  • It's Bouquet – Not Bucket

This was published in late 2009, the book includes rare photos which were taken during the filming of Keeping Up Appearances. The book contains full plot synopses for all episodes, main cast details, filming locations for all episodes which used outside shots, and stories of some entertaining events which happened during filming.

Overseas books

Due to the popularity of Keeping Up Appearances in the United States, books about the series have also been published across the Atlantic.

  • Keeping Up Appearances: A Companion to the Series

This comical series guidebook was published in the late 1990s by WLIW21. It was co-authored by mother-and-daughter writers Georgene and Mary Lee Costa. It features summary descriptions of each episode, cast and crew biographies, series photographs and an interview with Harold Snoad.

Since it was written during the filming of the final series of episodes, Snoad included the co-authors of the guide as extras in the episode "The Fancy Dress Ball".

Theatre adaptation

In 2010, the television show was adapted into a play entitled Keeping Up Appearances that toured theatres in the UK.[20] The cast included Rachel Bell as Hyacinth, Kim Hartman as Elizabeth, Gareth Hale as Onslow, Steven Pinder as Emmet, Debbie Arnold as Rose, David Janson (who had previously appeared in the TV show as the postman) as Mr Edward Milton, a new character created for the stage show,[21] Christine Moore as Daisy and Sarah Whitlock as Mrs Debden.[22] Main character Richard Bucket, Hyacinth's husband, does not appear in the production, but is frequently referred to: Hyacinth addresses to him off-stage and talks to him on the phone. The main plot of the show revolves around Emmet directing a play at the local village hall, but when Hyacinth is cast in the play's leading role disaster is in the making.

This adaptation, directed by playwright Johnny Culver, made its American premiere in New York City in March 2015, at the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church Theater Fellowship/Jones Auditorium. Culver directed an additional production of this adaptation with performances on 5 August 2017 and 6 August 2017 at Saint Luke's Episcopal Church in Forest Hills, Queens.

Prequel

In 2015, it was announced that a prequel to the series entitled Young Hyacinth would be made, following a 19-year-old Hyacinth Bucket during the early postwar years and set some forty years before the events of Keeping Up Appearances.[23] The cast were announced on 11 April 2016.[24] Hyacinth was played by Kerry Howard; Rose by Katie Redford; Daisy by Katherine Pearce; Violet by Tamla Kari and Daddy by Mark Addy. It was broadcast on BBC One on 2 September 2016.[25] The prequel sees Hyacinth working as a maid and attempting to manage her family so they appear well above their means. In the special, Hyacinth is in a relationship with a Mr. Will Hitchcock, whom Hyacinth forces to dress up and wear a hat when they walk. The special ends with her drunken Daddy falling into the canal, which Hyacinth's employers see, causing her great embarrassment. However, she blames Daddy's behaviour on "an old war injury".[26][27] Approximately 4.14 million viewers watched the show within seven days of its broadcast, making it the 22nd most watched BBC One show for the week ending 4 September. A total of 4.39 million viewers watched the show within 28 days of its initial broadcast.[28]

References

  1. ^ "Keeping up appearances. / Life Lessons from Onslow".
  2. ^ The device of a humorously affected pronunciation of Bucket as Bouquet was used previously in the 1944 British comedy film Don't Take It to Heart.
  3. ^ Stolworthy, Jacob (18 February 2016). "BBC's most popular show overseas is...Keeping Up Appearances". The Independent. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
  4. ^ Keeping Up Appearances. Episode 3. Event occurs at 8:57. Yes, I'll give you my name and address. It's "Bouquet." B-u-c-k-e-t. No, it is "Bouquet." {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |seriesno= ignored (|series-number= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ Keeping Up Appearances. Episode 3. Event occurs at 19:28. It houses my Royal Doulton with the hand-painted periwinkles. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |seriesno= ignored (|series-number= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ Keeping Up Appearances. Episode 1. Event occurs at 5:46. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |seriesno= ignored (|series-number= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ Keeping Up Appearances. Episode 1. Event occurs at 1:03. Do you think Sheridan's voice is getting deeper?" "It's still asking for money, I know that. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |seriesno= ignored (|series-number= suggested) (help)
  8. ^ "BBC Keeping Up Appearances page".
  9. ^ Keeping Up Appearances. Episode 3. Event occurs at 13:40. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |seriesno= ignored (|series-number= suggested) (help)
  10. ^ a b "Comedy Connections – Keeping Up Appearances". Comedy Connections. 26 July 2004. BBC. BBC One. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  11. ^ "Bucket's Residence Street View". Google Maps. Retrieved 5 October 2014.
  12. ^ "Onslow and Daisy's Street View". Google Maps. Retrieved 5 October 2014.
  13. ^ a b c "Keeping Up Appearances, TV Series, 1990–1995". imdcb.com. Retrieved 25 September 2011.
  14. ^ "Keeping Up Appearances Series 1 And 2 on DVD". dvdorchard.com.au. Retrieved 22 August 2015.
  15. ^ "Keeping Up Appearances Series 3 And 4 on DVD". dvdorchard.com.au. Retrieved 22 August 2015.
  16. ^ "Keeping Up Appearances Series 5 on DVD". dvdorchard.com.au. Retrieved 22 August 2015.
  17. ^ "Keeping Up Appearances Christmas Specials on DVD". dvdorchard.com.au. Retrieved 22 August 2015.
  18. ^ "Keeping Up Appearances Life Lessons From Onslow on DVD". dvdorchard.com.au. Retrieved 22 August 2015.
  19. ^ "Keeping Up Appearances: Season 1, Episode 1 "Daddy's Accident"". Amazon.com. Retrieved 3 July 2013.
  20. ^ Berry, Kevin (3 June 2010). "Keeping Up Appearances". thestage.co.uk. Archived from the original on 31 May 2014. Retrieved 4 July 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  21. ^ Burbridge, Steve. "Theatre review: Keeping Up Appearances at Darlington Civic Theatre and touring". British Theatre Guide. Retrieved 4 July 2013.
  22. ^ Barr, Gordon (12 June 2010). "Preview: Keeping Up Appearances, Playhouse Whitley Bay". The Chronicle. Archived from the original on 18 January 2015. Retrieved 4 July 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  23. ^ Foster, Patrick (16 November 2015). "Keeping Up Appearances set to return as Young Hyacinth". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
  24. ^ "Kerry Howard to play Young Hyacinth in a special prequel to Keeping Up Appearances for BBC One". BBC. BBC. 11 April 2016. Retrieved 15 April 2016.
  25. ^ "Young Hyacinth". BBC. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
  26. ^ Warner, Sam (11 April 2016). "Keeping Up Appearances remake casts Kerry Howard as a young Hyacinth". Digital Spy. Retrieved 12 April 2016.
  27. ^ Harp, Justin (11 April 2016). "Sacked Coronation Street star Katie Redford lands a new role in the Keeping Up Appearances prequel". Digital Spy. Retrieved 12 April 2016.
  28. ^ "Weekly top 30 programmes". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
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