BBC audiences have been left heartbroken after the broadcaster made a scheduling change to honour Dame Penelope Keith, who died aged 86. On Monday, 29 June, the BBC aired a classic episode of The Good Life on BBC Two as a tribute to the beloved actress.
Family Statement and Cause of Death
Dame Penelope, best known for her role as Margo Leadbetter in the 1970s sitcom, passed away peacefully at her home in Surrey after living with cancer. Her family issued a statement saying: "We are deeply saddened to announce that Dame Penelope Keith died peacefully whilst living with cancer at her home in Surrey where she had lived for more than 50 years. The family is grateful for the care and support she received throughout her treatments, and ask that their privacy be respected at this time."
BBC's Tribute Episode
The episode aired was taken from the third series of The Good Life, depicting a conflict between the Goods and the Leadbetters, "proving there is nothing like a good fight over the fence to cement relationships." Jon Petrie, Director of BBC Comedy, said: "All of us at BBC Comedy are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dame Penelope Keith. She was one of the defining figures of British television comedy. Her iconic performance as Margo in The Good Life remains one of the nation's most beloved sitcom roles and continues to delight audiences today. We send our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and all of those who had the privilege of working with her."
Viewer Reactions
Viewers took to social media to express their grief and appreciation. One person wrote on X: "Just watched #TheGoodLife on bbc as a tribute to Penelope Keith. Still very good!" Another said: "Lovely to watch #thegoodlife. it brings back memories of when I was a kid. RIP Penelope Keith." A third added: "Genuinely had something in my eye as soon as the theme tune came on #TheGoodLife #DamePenelopeKeith Thank you BBC2." Someone else commented: "I'm indulging in some pre-dinner #TheGoodLife on #BBCTwo in honour of #PenelopeKeith RIP." One fan shared: "I am shocked and now, heartbroken. ... Absolutely love this lady. I've watched #TheGoodLife so many times, over the years and it just becomes even more funny each time I watch it - seeing/hearing something that I've missed previously... I think another 'binge-watch' of 'The Good Life' is now due. In honour of the beloved #DamePenelopeKeith." Another viewer noted: "Pleasing to see BBC 2 scheduling an episode of The Good Life at 7 this evening, by way of tribute to the wonderfully talented Penelope Keith. Hopefully there will be more in the coming weeks. A Penelope Keith night on BBC 4?"
Availability
The Good Life is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
