The 1980s crowned Britain’s most standout decade, research reveals

THE 1980s has been crowned Britain’s most standout decade, according to research. The survey of 2,000 Brits found it came out on top in six out of eight categories, from hair to music and pop culture to tv shows, theme tunes, and catchphrases. The 1980s has been crowned Britain’s most standout decade Credit: Joe Pepler/PinPep Many would like to see a permanent comeback of 80s trends such as big-volume hair and curls Credit: Joe Pepler/PinPep Many would like to see a permanent comeback of 80s trends such as denim jackets (11 per cent), big-volume hair and curls (nine per cent), and retro trainers (eight per cent). Just under a quarter (23 per cent) would even be willing to try a modern version of an 80s mullet or perm. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! But Gen Z are braver, with a whopping 49 per cent saying they would consider rocking one of these retro hairstyles. When it comes to entertainment, 38 per cent of all generations wish big family TV nights were still a part of everyday life like they were in the ‘80s. As they miss the way programmes used to feel like events, with everyone watching the same episode at the same time (42 per cent) and talking about it the next day (31 per cent). Other highlights included watching with family (36 per cent), singing along to theme tunes (27 per cent), and waiting in anticipation for cliff-hangers to be resolved (20 per cent). The research was commissioned by UKTV to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Neighbours, with the first two series returning to screens on U. To celebrate its return, viewers can win the ultimate Neighbours fan box filled with 80s-inspired treats and playful nods to the show’s early years including tributes to Charlene’s garage look, Scott’s mullet, and Ramsay Street’s most recognisable details. Most read in The Sun The study also found 47 per cent have indulged in a rerun of a classic TV programme during the last 12 months. Perhaps because they were seeking a level of comfort not provided by modern television (42 per cent) or wishing to be transported back to their younger years (38 per cent). However, the appetite for archive TV is not just about nostalgia, as 49 per cent agreed classic soaps deliver a level of drama and escapism they still enjoy today. This sentiment was even higher among the younger generations, rising to 68 per cent of Gen Z and 60 per cent of Millennials. These series stick in peoples’ memories most due to their iconic characters (45 per cent), dramatic storylines (39 per cent), and catchy theme tunes (36 per cent). When asked what might inspire them to watch an early episode of Neighbours, for 32 per cent of Gen X it was all about tapping into the ‘80s nostalgia. Whereas 28 per cent of Gen Z want to discover classic storylines they’ve never seen before. Fashion also has a part to play, with 30 per cent of all generations admiring Kylie Minogue’s curly perm as Charlene. While others said the same about her tomboy style (17 per cent), wedding outfits (16 per cent), and Scott’s double-denim look (14 per cent). Emma Tibbetts, director of programming, Scripted, UKTV said: “First arriving on screens in 1985, Neighbours quickly became a daily ritual for UK viewers, turning Ramsay Street into one of TV’s most recognisable addresses. “As the soap celebrates its 40th anniversary and its first two series return to screens on U, fans can go back to the friendships, romances and cliff hangers that helped make the show a global phenomenon. “Neighbours has always been more than a TV show, it’s part of a cultural memory of a generation. “Bringing the original episodes back to U, gives fans the chance to relive where it all began, while inviting a new audience to discover the characters, drama and unmistakable 80s style that made Ramsay Street iconic.” TOP 10 THINGS BRITS WISH THEY COULD BRING BACK FROM ‘80s TV 1. The music 2. The humour 3. The family viewing routine 4. The fashion 5. The characters 6. The theme tunes 7. The drama 8. The storylines 9. The hair 10. The cliff-hangers Comment now