Keeping up Appearances remains a much-loved sitcom

Keeping Up Appearances was loved by many, with Judy Cornwell at its comedic heart. Known for her portrayal of Daisy, the cardigan-wearing, sexually frustrated sister of Patricia Routledge’s unforgettable Hyacinth Bucket and wife to Onslow (played by Geoffrey Hughes), Judy was a key part of the show’s success.

The 1990s sitcom, which had 15 million viewers in stitches each week, was also a source of constant laughter behind the scenes. Now, Judy fondly recalls the fun she had on set with Dame Patricia, Clive Swift, and former Corrie star Geoffrey, reports the Mirror.

Despite the final episode airing three decades ago, 84-year-old Judy continues to receive fan mail from across the globe. She said: “I get a lot of letters saying that while they knew Pat was the posh lead, they all identified with Daisy and Onslow because this is how they thought life to be. And I thought that was lovely and charming.” 

Judy further explains the audience’s connection to the characters: “People used to identify with the dynamics, especially when Onslow used to panic when Daisy was getting randy. And then Daddy going off on a bike without his coat… it resonated with Brits about how everybody has to cope with family, and that we are eccentrics,” she said.

Judy secured the role thanks to BBC super producer Harold Snoad, known for hits like Dad’s Army, Are You Being Served?, and Ever Decreasing Circles. After impressing him during her time on The Dick Emery Show, she became an integral part of writer Roy Clarke’s hilarious ensemble.

Judy fondly reminisced about her role: “Harold picked me for Daisy, which was perfect. I enjoyed playing that part, working with people I respected and liked. Patricia was the perfect Hyacinth, thanks to years of great theatre experience. She gave a brilliant performance. And it is fair to say she was shocked by how big the show became, given all her other work.”

She went on to describe her co-star Clive: “Clive [Richard] was a very good actor and quite serious fellow off-set, but they were a perfect foil to each other. Everyone got on well. And even when we weren’t filming we would meet up for lunch and catch up on gossip.”

Judy as Daisy with on-screen husband Onslow (Geoffrey Hughes)

Speaking of the sitcom’s onset antics and how everyone strives to make it successful, Judy said: “Geoffrey and I got on the set, sat together in bed and it collapsed. Our legs flew in the air and we just rolled over each other. It was hard to get the audience to simmer down – they were hysterical. Everything we ever did on or off script would make the audience laugh.”

The fun didn’t stop there, as Judy shared insights into her rapport with her late co-star: “We were always up to stuff. He was very naughty and used to pinch my bottom under the covers and say rude things. And he would always say it before I had a line so I would get the giggles, leaving the audience wondering what was the matter with me. I used to get my own back – I would kick him underneath the covers. We had a lot of fun and naughtiness.”

Judy fondly reminisced about her time working with Geoffrey, who died in 2012. She said: “Geoffrey’s sense of humour was brilliant, and our families became friends. He was fun, very loyal and we had this great ability to work fast. He and I sank into our characters very quickly – after a couple of read-throughs, we had it down. Roy’s script was brilliant and Harold was just a fun man who let us play around. From that we made magic.”

She also shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse into creating her character Daisy’s look, complete with the iconic grey cardigan and Onslow’s disheveled appearance. Judy explained: “I went down to the BBC wardrobe room and found this grey cardigan, which was awful, and I thought, ‘That is it!’ I put it on along with some terrible old sandals.

“They were my own from home, which were worn and raggedy. And Geoffrey’s vest we used to make grubbier by throwing some sandwiches from catering on it before shooting.”

The portrayal of Daisy as a sexually frustrated bookworm trying to mimic scenes from romance novels with Onslow was a hit with viewers. Judy said: “Harold gave me a Mills and Boon book, and I said she can have a romantic book every week. And I was then at a publishing dinner where the Mills and Boon people came leaping up and said, ‘Our book sales have gone through the roof’.”

The classic BBC sitcom Keeping Up Appearances concluded its run in 1995, paving the way for Dame Patricia Routledge to star in the drama Hetty Wainthropp Investigates. Judy was not bitter at the show ending despite its success.

She said: “There was no bitterness or ill feeling. We all wanted to do other things. I have had such a great career. Keeping Up Appearances was a highlight. I am so glad it is loved to this day.”