From 1972 to 1985, Richard was a regular cast member of the sitcom "Are You Being Served?" as Shirley Brahms, an attractive, young shop assistant with a heavy Cockney accent. Set in the ladies and gentleman's clothing department in the fictional department store Grace Brothers with Miss Brahms being under the eye of the infamous Mrs Slocombe and being the subject of menswear junior Mr. Lucas' advances. Richard later reprised her role in the "Are You Being Served?" sequel "Grace & Favour", which aired from 1992 to 1993. Richard appeared in two "Carry On" films, playing small roles in "Carry On Matron" (1972) and "Carry On Girls" (1973) (both films also featured her future "EastEnders" colleague Barbara Windsor). Richard's other film roles around this time included "No Blade of Grass" (1970), "Gumshoe" (1971) starring Albert Finney, and the film versions of "On The Buses" (1971), "Bless This House" (1972), and "Are You Being Served?" (1977). While appearing in "Are You Being Served?", Richard had parts in "The Fenn Street Gang", "Z Cars" and "Bowler" as well as having regular roles in "Hogg's Back" and "Not On Your Nellie".