Penelope Keith, the inimitable lady who left us far too soon at just 86, may have traded her tiara for a crown of laurels, but her impact on British telly remains an unwavering testament to her incredible talent. And where better to start than with the role that cemented her status as a national treasure – the indelibly fabulous Margo Leadbetter in the hilarious 1970s sitcom 'The Good Life'?
Margo's wardrobe was the stuff of legend, a veritable riot of colour and flair that left her more down-to-earth neighbours looking decidedly dull by comparison. That first appearance in the second episode, resplendent in a tangerine chiffon kaftan that would have made even the most fashion-forward Greek goddess green with envy, set the tone for the rest of the series. And let's be clear – Keith herself did all her own sartorial sleuthing, often popping into Harrods and Harvey Nichols on her days off to find the perfect floaty frock that would make Margo shine.
The advent of colour TV in the late 1960s and early 1970s was the perfect storm for Margo's bold style – it 'popped' like a fireworks display, with its acid brights, jewel shades, and overall 'joie de vivre' attitude. Her look was as much about statement pieces as Margo herself was about making statements. Harrods' own label got a right old thrashing from her shopping list, with Frank Usher designs thrown in for good measure – who needs personal taste when you've got character to uphold?
But behind every fabulous frock, there's a hairstyle that matches the drama of the dress. Margo's locks were the stuff of legend, lacquered and set into elaborate 'Greek goddess' do's that took hours to perfect each episode – hours! You can almost hear the snickering from her on-screen neighbours as they try to keep up with Margo's effortlessly chic looks.
It's no wonder, then, that Margo Leadbetter's style influence remains a topic of discussion to this day. Even decades after 'The Good Life' first aired, she still has the power to inspire – and not just when it comes to throwing on a kaftan or two. It's about attitude, darling! That documentary 'The Good Life: Inside Out', celebrating 50 years of the show, only serves as further proof of Margo's enduring legacy – an icon who continues to leave us in awe.