Its popularity may have faded as we grew older, but there was a time in the 80s and early 90s when Top of the Pops was one of the most essential viewing experiences of our entire week.
First shown all the way back in 1964, Top of the Pops was presented in all by over 150 different people during the 42 years it was broadcast on television as a weekly show. Below are 12 classic Top of the Pops performances that are sure to transport you right back to your youth.
10. Bananarama – I Want You Back
As with the majority of the videos that make up this list, Bananarama’s performance of I Want You Back comes from the late 80s – 1988 to be precise.
And we’re sure you’ll agree that Sara Dallin, Siobhan Fahey and Keren Woodward have never looked better.
9. Bros – I Owe You Nothing
We simply had to include a Bros performance that included their soon-to-be-departing bass player, Craig Logan.
I Owe You Nothing was originally released a year earlier and flopped, but its re-release in 1988 saw it reach number one in several countries, including the UK.
8. Brother Beyond – The Harder I Try
Brother Beyond’s number two hit single The Harder I Try is as catchy as they come, but sadly it was the last time the group made the Top 10 in the UK.
We’re sure that many of you had a crush on the gorgeous Nathan Moore, and we’re pleased to report that he’s still as good looking now as he was 30 years ago!
7. Debbie Gibson – Electric Youth
Like an 80s Britney Spears but far more wholesome, Debbie Gibson is an extremely talented musician who wrote every single one of her hit singles.
Electric Youth was most definitely our favourite of her songs, with both the costumes and dance routines being absolutely fantastic.
6. Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan – Especially for You
We loved Kylie Minogue and we loved Jason Donovan, so when they duetted on their smash hit number one single Especially for You at the tail end of 1988, we were completely beside ourselves!
We can remember the Top of the Pops performance like it was yesterday, especially the sultry looks and Kylie jumping into Jason’s arms.
5. London Boys – Requiem
The story of London Boys is a tragic one, but we’ll never forget how much we loved them when we were young.
Their single Requiem reached number four in the UK, and the boys’ performance on Top of the Pops had explosions, back-flips and the most energetic dance routine you’ve ever seen.
4. New Kids on the Block – Call It What You Want
Delivered in 1991, New Kids on the Block’s performance of Call It What You Want featured one of their very greatest dance routines.
Watch this now to be instantly transported back to a time when you believed that Jordan, Jonathan, Joey, Donnie and Danny were the most gorgeous guys on the planet!
3. Rick Astley – Never Gonna Give You Up
He recently announced a free concert for NHS workers in the UK, just one of the reasons that we love the amazing Rick Astley.
Often remembered as a one-hit wonder, Astley actually had a number of singles we suspect you’ll still able to sing along to, but Never Gonna Give You Up was of course the one he will always be remembered for.
2. Tiffany – I Think We’re Alone Now
A massive global success, and a number one single in both the UK and the US, Tiffany’s I Think We’re Alone Now will be remembered as one of the greatest songs of the 1980s.
The song was actually a cover of a 1967 hit by Tommy James and the Shondells, but that doesn’t make us love Tiffany’s version any less.
1. Wet Wet Wet – Wishing I Was Lucky
Taken from their debut album Popped In Souled Out, Wet Wet Wet’s Wishing I Was Lucky was recorded for just £600, and reached number six in the UK.
We had forgotten what a crazy dancer the band’s lead singer Marti Pellow was until we looked back on this clip. His moves really are quite bizarre!