The series was the first British sitcom to feature a recurring lesbian character, in Cissy Meldrum. The character has generated mixed reactions. Anthony Joseph Paul Cortese's "Opposing Hate Speech" suggests that Cissy is "the archetypal stereotype for a lesbian...non-flattering stereotypes". Alison Darren's "Lesbian Film Guide" is much more positive, stating ""You Rang, M'Lord?" gave us the wonderful Cissy (...replete with monacle and a series of beautifully tailored suits)." She goes on to note the character's "championing of the workers" suggesting that throughout her character "behaved with integrity and style."