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BBC Comedy Legend Harold Snoad Dies at 88

Harold Snoad, the prolific BBC sitcom producer and director known for his work on Keeping Up Appearances and Ever Decreasing Circles, has died at the age of 88.

Snoad’s career in television began in the early 1960s, and he quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the most successful comedy directors in the UK.

Keeping Up Appearances

Snoad’s greatest success was undoubtedly Keeping Up Appearances, which he directed from 1990 to 1995.

The sitcom starred Patricia Routledge as Hyacinth Bucket, a suburban super-snob who insists her name is pronounced “Bouquet” and attempts to impress her middle-class neighbors.

Despite her best efforts, Hyacinth’s attempts to keep her working-class sisters away are constantly thwarted by her longsuffering husband, Richard (played by Clive Swift), and her sisters.

Keeping Up Appearances was a huge success, both in the UK and internationally.

Ever Decreasing Circles

Snoad also directed the sitcom Ever Decreasing Circles, which ran from 1984 to 1989.

The sitcom starred Richard Briers and Penelope Keith as Martin and Ann Bryce, a middle-aged couple who are trying to come to terms with their empty nest syndrome.

Ever Decreasing Circles was another critical and commercial success, and it is still considered one of the best British sitcoms ever made.

Legacy

Harold Snoad was one of the most successful and influential sitcom directors in British history.

His work on Keeping Up Appearances and Ever Decreasing Circles helped to define the genre and set the standard for future sitcoms.

Snoad will be sadly missed by his family, friends, and fans.

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