BBC tribute to Penelope Keith with The Good Life episode leaves viewers in tears

BBC viewers have been left "heartbroken" as they paid their respects to a legendary actress. In a departure from its regular schedule, the broadcaster chose to pay homage to Dame Penelope Keith with a classic episode of The Good Life on Monday, 29th June.

Dame Penelope, the celebrated star of the 1970s British sitcom, passed away aged 86, with her family releasing an official statement. They confirmed she "died peacefully whilst living with cancer at her home in Surrey". As fans mourned the To the Manor Born actress and tributes poured in from friends and colleagues, the BBC announced that the beloved Margo Leadbetter actress would be commemorated with the episode broadcast on BBC Two, reports the Mirror.

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From the third series of The Good Life, it followed war breaking out 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."

Watching the repeat episode, 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 wrote: "Genuinely had something in my eye as soon as the theme tune came on #TheGoodLife #DamePenelopeKeith Thank you BBC2."

Someone else said: "I'm indulging in some pre-dinner #TheGoodLife on #BBCTwo in honour of #PenelopeKeith RIP."

Paying their respects, one person said: "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."

Someone else wrote: "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?"

The statement from Dame Penelope's family read: "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."

The Good Life is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.