Felicity Kendal, best known for her role as Barbara Good in the 1970s BBC sitcom *The Good Life*, has spoken about being the last surviving member of the show's main cast following the recent death of Penelope Keith. Keith, who portrayed the snobbish neighbour Margo Leadbetter, passed away at the age of 86 last week after a battle with cancer. This leaves Kendal, 79, as the sole surviving lead from the series, which also starred Richard Briers and Paul Eddington.

The sitcom, which ran from 1975 to 1978, was widely popular, drawing audiences of up to 21 million viewers weekly. Kendal and Briers played Tom and Barbara Good, a suburban couple who choose to abandon conventional life in favor of self-sufficiency, much to the amusement and occasional frustration of their neighbours, the Leadbetters, played by Keith and Eddington.

Reflecting on the loss of her former co-stars, Kendal described the close bond they shared both on and off screen. She recalled how the four were like a family, regularly visiting one another and sharing meals on their days off. The deaths of Eddington in 1995 at age 68 and Briers in 2013 at age 79 deeply affected the group, and now Keith’s passing has left Kendal as the last link to their shared history.

Kendal spoke candidly about the emotional impact of these losses, describing a sense of depression and heartache among the cast as the years passed. She said the group’s close relationship helped them cope with hardship through humor and companionship. Kendal said Keith was a private person who valued recognition but preferred to keep a low profile, often engaging in charity work and known among friends as a wonderful cook.

As Kendal grows older, she has noticed how the number of friends and acquaintances has diminished, a reflection of the passage of time. She shared her personal philosophy on dealing with grief and aging, emphasizing the importance of finding joy in life despite losses. “You give yourself a bit of a nudge and say, ‘Now look here, stop whinging about plumbing and about whatever,’” Kendal said. “Maybe somebody’s been slightly off with you because the sun is shining and guess what? You’re here.”

Kendal, who also appeared in series such as *Rosemary & Thyme*, *The Mistress*, and *Doctor Who*, recalled her experience competing in *Strictly Come Dancing* in 2010, where she finished eighth. She encourages others to embrace life fully and not take time for granted, reflecting on those she has known who did not live life to the fullest.

The legacy of *The Good Life* continues to resonate with audiences decades after its original broadcast, with Kendal now carrying the memory of her late co-stars as she reflects on their shared journey.