KEEPING UP APPEARANCES CAST NOW INCLUDING TRAGIC DEATHS AND DIVORCES

Elizabeth's brother Emmet, a divorced musician who often stayed over with his sister, was terrified of her neighbour Hyacinth, who loved to serenade him in hopes of appearing in one of his musical plays.

Before Keeping Up Appearances, actor David Griffin, 81, starred as Squadron Leader Clive Dempster in Hi-de-Hi!

After the show, he reunited with actress Su Pollard to tour the world in stage show The Good Sex Guide. The star, who is married with two children, has also appeared in several pantomimes.

From social-climbing snob Hyacinth Bucket - pronounced 'Bouquet', naturally - and her long-suffering husband Richard, to her "tart with a heart" sister Rose, and slovenly brother-in-law Onslow, Keeping Up Appearances boasted unforgettable characters.

The BBC sitcom became a worldwide phenomenon, with 992 channels across other nations purchasing the comedy, which found audiences stretching from the US to Australia.

Three and a half decades after the debut episode of the programme, which spanned five memorable series, it's time to see where the cast are now.

Hyacinth - the programme's star - was famous for panicking when husband Richard took the wheel, and exploding if anyone mispronounced her surname 'Bucket'.

And it was distinguished actress Patricia Routledge who breathed life into her.

Before accepting the part, she had achieved tremendous success on stage, performing on Broadway and securing Tony and Olivier awards.

And following the show's five year stint which concluded in 1995, Patricia assumed another leading part in the BBC's Hetty Wainthropp Investigates. Patricia was made a Dame in 2017 and last year received honorary membership of the Royal Academy of Music.

Sadly, it was announced this week that the actress has died at the age of 96. Her agent said in a statement to the PA Media news agency: "We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of Dame Patricia Routledge, who died peacefully in her sleep this morning surrounded by love.

Clive played Richard, the patient husband who endured Hyacinth's outrageous antics, won over viewers and was brilliantly brought to life by actor Clive Swift.

After the show, Clive starred in one of Doctor Who's most successful Christmas specials as Mr Copper, alongside Kylie Minogue, reports The Mirror.

The Shakespearean-trained actor was also a singer and musician, touring the UK with his show Richard Bouquet Overflows.

He was married to novelist Margaret Drabble for 15 years before they divorced, and they had three children together. Clive's final TV appearance was on ITV's Midsomer Murders in 2017.

He sadly died in February 2019 at the age of 82.

Roy Clarke, the creator of the series, declared Onslow was his favourite character. Known for his white vest and baseball cap, the self-proclaimed layabout featured in many comedic scenes.

Despite his love for betting, beer, and television, Onslow was surprisingly well-read and knowledgeable about technology and philosophy.

Actor Geoffrey Hughes, known for his role as Eddie Yeats in ITV's Coronation Street, later starred as Twiggy in the BBC's The Royle Family and played Vernon Scripps in ITV's Heartbeat. The star died in 2012 from prostate cancer, leaving behind his wife Sue.

Hyacinth's man-eating younger sister Rose, who shocked her sibling with her short skirts and heavy make-up, was portrayed by two actresses during the programme's run.

Shirley Stelfox featured in the opening series before securing a long-term role in ITV's Emmerdale as sharp-tongued Edna Birch.

Wed twice with one daughter and two step-children, the actress died in 2015 at the age of 74.

Actress Mary Millar assumed the role of Rose for the remaining four series, with the seasoned West End performer returning to theatre subsequently to portray Mrs Potts in Beauty And The Beast.

Married with one daughter, the star passed away in November 1998 from ovarian cancer, aged 62.

Sibling to Hyacinth and Rose, Daisy (right) was perpetually eager for romance with spouse Onslow - who showed little enthusiasm.

There was notably a fourth sister named Violet, whom Hyacinth adored bragging about due to her Mercedes, and residence featuring a sauna and "room for a pony".

Now 85, Judy Cornwell portrayed Queenie Trott in EastEnders following the programme, whilst also featuring in Birds Of A Feather.

The star - who is wed and has one son - has secured roles in ITV's Midsomer Murders and Heartbeat, and has penned several novels.

Elizabeth Warden was intimidated by her overbearing neighbour Hyacinth, who frequently invited her over for coffee which she habitually spilled in a state of panic.

Josephine Tewson, who sadly died last year at the age of 91, had a remarkable career in television spanning over five decades.

She was twice married, first to actor Leonard Rossiter and later to dental surgeon Henry Newman.

The actress also graced the screen in LWT's Frost On Sunday alongside comedy legends Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett, as well as in the BBC's The Two Ronnies.

Post-sitcom, she portrayed the highly strung librarian Miss Davenport in BBC's Last Of The Summer Wine and even toured the country in her 80s with a one-woman show about her work, Still Keeping Up Appearances.

Elizabeth's brother Emmet, a divorced musician, often found himself staying over at his sister's house.

He lived in fear of her neighbour Hyacinth, who would frequently serenade him in hopes of landing a role in one of his musical plays.

Prior to Keeping Up Appearances, actor David Griffin, now 81, was known for his role as Squadron Leader Clive Dempster in Hi-de-Hi!

Post-sitcom, he reunited with actress Su Pollard to tour the world in the stage show The Good Sex Guide. The star, who is married with two children, has also made several appearances in pantomimes.

2025-10-03T11:04:46Z