Greatest 80s Songs: Channel 5: Sunday 21st January: 3am
1980. Episode 1. Gary Davies narrates this look at the music of 1980, featuring revealing interviews with the singers and band members who made it one of the biggest years in pop. From the Specials and the Jam to Blondie and Bowie, and not forgetting the biggest girl band of the time – the Nolans, it was a year of music and pop videos to remember. Sheena Easton was singing about her man working 9 to 5, Madness stormed the charts with Baggy Trousers and Dexy’s Midnight Runners had a memorable number one with Geno. Contributors include Toyah Willcox, Paul Gambaccini and Katie Puckrik.
Greatest 80s Songs: Channel 5: Thursday 18th January: 3am
1986. Series 1, episode 7. Tony Blackburn narrates this study of 1986 pop hits, with series regulars Toyah Willcox, Paul Gambaccini and Cheryl Baker joined by Sam Fox. Peter Gabriel’s Sledgehammer, Sinitta’s So Macho, Falco’s Rock Me Amadeus, and the Bangles’ Walk Like an Egyptian are some of the tracks being discussed.
Greatest 80s Songs: Channel 5: Wednesday 17th January: 3.20am
1988. Series 1, episode 9. Jenny Powell narrates this look back at 1988, when Bros, Belinda Carlisle and Bomb the Bass were riding high in the charts, and Kylie Minogue went from soap icon to pop star. Toyah Willcox, Paul Gambaccini, Cheryl Baker and Sam Fox add their thoughts on the year when Fairground Attraction had a Perfect hit, the Hollies were back in the charts, and Yazz and the Plastic Population breathed new life into 1980 song The Only Way Is Up.
Greatest 80s Songs: Channel 5: Tuesday 16th January: 3am
1987. Series 1, episode 8. Simon Bates narrates this look back at 1987, when George Michael, Madonna, and Pet Shop Boys stormed the Top 40. Series regulars Toyah Willcox, Paul Gambaccini and Jenny Powell are joined by Carol Decker, who reflects on the era that her band, T’Pau, finally made their breakthrough. It was also a time when Rick Astley, the Firm, Mel & Kim, and Bruce Willis had their share of chart success.
Greatest 80s Songs: Channel 5: Sunday 3rd September: 11.20pm
1983. Series 1, episode 4. Simon Bates narrates this look at the music of 1983, featuring interviews with Toyah Willcox, Paul Gambaccini, Cheryl Baker, Carol Decker, Jenny Powell and other famous faces. Among the featured tracks are Eurythmics’ Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This), New Order’s Blue Monday, and Bad Boys by Wham!
