The smart, sexy (and sometimes bizarre!) adverts from your childhood that would never air today: From Wonderbra's 'Hello Boys' poster to Anthony Head's passionate kiss with Sharon Maughan for Nescafé

It was a love affair that captivated the country in the 1980s, with audiences across Britain cheering when they finally kissed. No, not Charles and Diana, but Anthony Head and Sharon Maughan, Nescafe’s Gold Blend couple.Their romance in the adverts was an instant hit, and when a new instalment was released, very few took the opportunity to put the kettle on during the break.Instead, viewers would watch as a glamorous Sharon, dripping in diamonds, knocked on her dashing neighbour Anthony’s door to borrow some instant coffee for her dinner party guests - before taking part in a scandalous affair.But one thing is certain - the excitement surrounding it wouldn’t likely happen now, proven this week by Generation Z's reaction to a 1984 state-funded commercial promoting British pork.Offering a nostalgic scene of a family enjoying a Sunday Roast and a husband praising his wife's taste, but all done in a bizarre, eerie tone, the 'It's Got the Lot' ad gained a cult following for its unsettling style, becoming somewhat a classic.Yet younger audiences, who hadn't seen the clip before until it went viral online, were left unimpressed by the 'sinister' footage, claiming it was too 'eerie' - with some even comparing to The Texas Chain Saw Massacre horror.The 'absurd' advert, however, is just one of many which likely wouldn't air in the 21st century...British Pork, 1984 Many Gen Z Britons tuning in hadn't watched the original 'It's Got the Lot' ad from 42 years ago, but were left baffled and comparing it to ' Texas Chainsaw Massacre' Set in a dimly lit dining room, it opened on a shot of the family's patriarch slicing pork as everyone tucks into their foodThis week, young audiences branded a 1984 state-funded commercial promoting British pork as 'eerie', 'sinister' and 'bizarre' following an SNL UK skit poking fun at the campaign.Many Gen Z Britons tuning in hadn't watched the original 'It's Got the Lot' ad from 42 years ago, but were left baffled and comparing it to 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre'.Set in a dimly lit dining room, it opened on a shot of the family's patriarch slicing pork as everyone tucks into their food.As the metal cutlery clanged in the background, actor Anthony Dutton, playing the part of an 'unsettling' and unsmiling husband carving up the meat, delivered a monologue, opening on: 'Got what it takes, my wife.'In a low tone - and facing the camera directly as he cut up the roast - he continued: 'Got friends round. Got roast pork for lunch.'Plenty of taste, British pork. Real value for money.'Raising his tone, he then addressed the various family members at the table, continuing: 'Fred's got plenty, Arthur's got plenty. We've all got plenty. Plenty to go round.'Anthony concluded with a firm and confident: 'My wife's got what it takes.''British pork,' a voiceover then said. 'What's it got? It's got the lot.'The SNL UK sketch - which originally aired in May but enjoyed a new resurgence on social media after posting the clip online this week - saw the cast constantly breaking character at the 'serial killer' style delivery.Nescafe Gold Blend, 1987 Sharon Maughan and Anthony Head kissing in a scene from a Nescafe Gold Blend coffee advert in 1987. The flirtatious energy between them was instantly electricTheir love affair captivated the country in the 1980s and the nation cheered when their lips finally met. It is, of course, Nescafe's Gold Blend couple.Their romance in the ad breaks was a soap-opera sensation and, when a new instalment was released, very few took the opportunity of the ad break to put the kettle on. But one thing is certain - the excitement surrounding it likely wouldn't happen now.The first 30-second Gold Blend commercial, produced by advertising agency giant McCann Erickson, aired in 1987. Sharon Maughan, dripping in diamonds, knocked on her neighbour Anthony Head's door to borrow some instant coffee for her dinner party guests.The flirtatious energy between them was instantly electric. 'How can you ever thank me?' he asked, handing over the jar. 'I'll try and think of something,' she murmured.It caused a sensation, with millions of viewers agog for each follow-up over the six years of the campaign's run.The climax of the affair provoked a scandalised response. Why? Because she phoned him in the middle of the night, waking him up to exclaim: 'I want to see you, now!'Why the urgency? She'd run out of Gold Blend, of course. Inappropriate work relations aside, modern viewers also likely wouldn't take too kindly to portrayals of cheating.Carte D'or, He's Not Your Father, 2001 The voiceover panned: 'There are some things you really shouldn't share... and some things you definitely should, like Carte D'Or ice cream'In a 2001 commercial, ice cream brand Carte D'Or presented British viewers a very awkward family dinner.'Dad, could you pass the potatoes, please,' a young man said - to which an elderly relative close by retorted: 'He's not your dad. We never knew who your dad was.'The voiceover panned: 'There are some things you really shouldn't share... and some things you definitely should, like Carte D'Or ice cream.''Go on grandma,' the mother later added, leading the old lady out of the room.A carton of the frosty dessert appeared on screen, reading: 'Carte D'or - Don't keep it to yourself.' Tango, Orange Man, 1992 The 90s saw a pandemic of children slapping each other on the playground - and many rushed to blame a Tango advert featuring a bizarre 'Orange Man' character Attempting to show how their flavours pack a punch, the beverage brand worked on a campaign that featured teenagers taking a sip from the bottle before a brightly-costumed man appeared just to smack him in the faceThe 90s saw a pandemic of children slapping each other on the playground - and many rushed to blame a Tango advert featuring a bizarre 'Orange Man' character.Attempting to show how their flavours pack a punch, the beverage brand worked on a campaign that featured teenagers taking a sip from the bottle before a brightly-costumed man appeared just to smack him in the face.However, parents expressed concern when kids in the playground started copying the prank.Rupert Howell, an exec from the company, told Channel 4: 'People used to go round sort of slapping each other and saying "You've Been Tango'd", and it was all very entertaining and great fun.'There were no problems until we got a phone call once from a surgeon who said "look, I'm not the complaining type but I thought you'd like to know that I did an operation on a child this morning with a damaged ear drum, and I was wheeling him in to the operating table, and said to him what happened to you then? And he replied I got Tango'd."'The ad was eventually pulled. Yorkie, It's Not for Girls!, 2002 One of the more popular controversial company stunts was Yorkie chocolate bar's 'It's not for girls!' slogan, which marketed the sweet treat as a 'boys' commodityOne of the more popular controversial company stunts was Yorkie chocolate bar's 'It's not for girls!' slogan, which marketed the sweet treat as a 'boys' commodity. In one advert from 2002, viewers saw a woman dressed up with a hat and fake beard, being denied the choc after answering a series of 'manly' questions and failing to showcase her 'masculinity'.It included demands to explain the offside rule, demonstrate a lack of fear of spiders and express a preference for either stockings or tights.In 2006 a special edition was made for girls, wrapped in pink. The slogan was eventually replaced in 2012 with a tagline 'Man Fuel for Man Stuff'.Wonderbra, 'Hello Boys' billboard, 1994 The bra's redesign and reintroduction in 1994 saw a £16million advertising campaign in the US and UK including billboards showing models wearing only the WonderbraIts head-turning billboards sky-rocketed Wonderbra into the forefront of the women's lingerie market where it's remained for 20 years - but the male-gaze tactics would likely fail to impress today's shoppers.The Wonderbra name was first trademarked in the U.S. in 1955, and the brand was developed in Canada over the next 40 years. But it only really gained worldwide prominence in the 1990s.The bra's redesign and reintroduction in 1994 saw a £16million advertising campaign in the US and UK including billboards showing models wearing only the Wonderbra. Underneath read slogans such as 'who cares if it's a bad hair day?' and 'look me in the eyes and tell me that you love me'.Wonderbra's iconic Hello Boys advert was the 1994 billboard that - quite literally - stopped traffic. Makers of the ad were honoured in 2011, when the billboard was declared the most eye-catching ad of the previous 20 years.Appraisal from ad professionals aside, the Hello Boys poster aroused the ire of many, with several describing it as degrading.But Eva Herzigova, the model who starred in the ad, opened up about the criticism she received at the time and said far from being degrading, it was actually empowering.'My Wonderbra campaign empowered women,' said Czech-born Eva. 'It didn’t degrade them like some said or say.'Speaking to the Evening Standard, she continued: 'It was controversial at the time, sure - but it made waves and you can see its influence still today.'It was one of the most successful advertising campaigns in history and I am so proud to be a part of it.'Carling, Lick It, 2002 Gag-worthy scenes showed the actor, on his hands and knees, licking the beverage off the floor - before his partner attempts to pour it on herselfIn attempt to generate buzz for the World Cup, beer company Carling in 2002 poked fun at the stereotype that men refuse to clean with an ad that left some viewers horrified and 'disgusted'.In it, a woman comes home to realise that her partner had done nothing to tidy up their flat - and in an attempt to get him to do housework, pours a trail of the alcohol throughout the house.Gag-worthy scenes showed the actor, on his hands and knees, licking the beverage off the floor - before his partner attempts to pour it on herself. As reported by the BBC, it was deemed 'too sexy' to be shown before the watershed, after accruing 69 complaints.Viewers complaining to the Independent Television Commission said the ad was 'disgusting' and 'inappropriate' to air before 9pm.Broadcasters said they felt the sexual innuendo would not be picked up by younger viewers, but the ITC said: 'We judged it clear from the man's actions and his partner's response to them that he was mimicking oral sex.' Lynx, Chocolate Man, 2008 On his stroll through the city, the confectionary gentleman is groped and taken very suggestive bites out ofWhen body spray brand Lynx launched its Dark Temptation range, it came with quite the brand launch - featuring a raunchy ad that saw a man transform into chocolate after using it.On his stroll through the city, the confectionary gentleman is groped and taken very suggestive bites out of.It certainly raised eyebrows at the time - but would likely not make it past the first focus groups today. Paddy Power, Tiddles: The Flying Cat, 2010 Some 1,313 complaints were made about the viewing, which featured a blind footballer kicking a cat by accidentThis betting company is known for its controversial, cheeky commercials - but one of its campaigns caused such a stir that it was the most complained about UK ad of the year.Some 1,313 complaints were made about the viewing, which featured a blind footballer kicking a cat by accident.'Paddy Power can't get Tiddles back,' it continued. 'There's nothing we can do about that.'But we can get you your money back.'Despite outrage and multiple people telling the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) it was 'offensive to blind people' and 'encouraged animal cruelty', complaints were not upheld.As reported by the Guardian, the ASA said: 'We felt the ad was surreal and light-hearted in tone and was unlikely to encourage or condone cruelty to animals or cause serious or widespread offence.'For Goodness Shakes, Awkward Shake, 2013 The final frame revealed the culprit had all along been the protein-power filled beverages which typically need to be whisked up and downProtein shake company For Goodness Shakes caused quite the stir with its innuendo-filled advert in 2013.It featured a myriad of clips where men and women were seen shaking something off camera, in a gesture heavily implying sexual acts.The final frame revealed the culprit had all along been the protein-power filled beverages which typically need to be whisked up and down.'We shake for you,' the slogan at the end read. 'The protein shake without the shaker.' The ASA too pulled this one after complaints felt it was likely to cause offence - stating that the video 'alluded to masturbation'.'We considered that many of the other online channels that hosted the video, such as a news and entertainment website, were likely to appeal to a wider audience who would find the references to public masturbation, and particularly to ejaculating on another person, offensive,' the regulator said, as reported by The Guardian.'We concluded that... the video was likely to cause serious or widespread offence.'Levi's, Seen in All the Wrong Places, 2000 In the video, a woman in disguise rushed into a men's bathroom, to be greeted with who she believes to be the lone person there with her; a man with a walking stick and sunglasses onIn 2000, audiences saw a Levi's commercial in which a woman undressed in front of a man who she believed to be blind - only to realise her mistake at the very end.In the video, a woman in disguise rushed into a men's bathroom, to be greeted with who she believes to be the lone person there with her; a man with a walking stick and sunglasses on. Relieved, she went on to remove all her clothing- a sultry affair - and wig to change into a trusty pair of jeans from the brand.However, as the lady, clearly escaping the authorities, left after her suggestive outfit change, it became clear that the man she believed to be visually impaired was simply holding onto a cane while a blind man used the restroom.It's a wince-worthy cinematic endeavour that had people shaking their heads back then - and would likely fail to get through today. The same era also saw Levi's putting out an advert where young people ogled at one another getting changed in the laundromat to steamy scenes. Zazoo condoms, I Want the Big Bag, 2004 Many criticised the insinuation that people should avoid having children just because it may be difficult, and portrayed the young boy's screaming, yelling and crying as unrealisticThis simple ad for a Belgian condom company showed a child throwing a tantrum in the supermarket - with the end tagline, panning over an exhausted parent, stating: 'Use condoms.'While undoubtedly hilarious, the commercial sparked outrage, and was banned.Many criticised the insinuation that people should avoid having children just because it may be difficult, and portrayed the young boy's screaming, yelling and crying as unrealistic.Volkswagen, The Fight, 2009 Leaning into the cinematic, Volkswagen in the noughties experimented with a more quirky car ad approach for its Golf vehicle, which was inspired by the Matrix FilmLeaning into the cinematic, Volkswagen in the noughties experimented with a more quirky car ad approach for its Golf vehicle, which was inspired by the Matrix Film.However, the commercial racked up more than 1,000 complaints to the ASA - making it the fifth most complained-about UK commercial ever at the time, the Guardian reported.While the very nature of the ad - in which a VW designer faces off 'evil' clones of himself in epic, exaggerated action movie style battles - is rooted in over the top scenes, those tuning in complained of excessive 'violence'.Milk Tray Man, 1960s onwards In the 1960s, Cadbury's conjured the character of the Milk Tray Man - a beau so dedicated that he would perform a host of James Bond-style feats from cliff jumping to flying a helicopter to deliver a box of chocolates to the object of their affectionIn the 1960s, Cadbury's conjured the character of the Milk Tray Man - a beau so dedicated that he would perform a host of James Bond-style feats from cliff jumping to flying a helicopter to deliver a box of chocolates to the object of their affection.However, when the brand decided to revive the mascot (after initially wrapping up the persona in 2003), some modern viewers pushed back.In 2016, as auditions were held for the legendary ‘and all because the lady loves Milk Tray’ ad, movie critic Peter Bradshaw branded the concept 'a horror film'.'The idea of women being flattered by such scarily obsessive behaviour feels like something that went out with the first series of Coronation Street,' he penned in the Guardian.'TV ads once showed this creepy, black-clad figure actually breaking into a young woman’s apartment and leaving a box of chocs with his own sinister "calling card" placed diagonally across one corner.'You saw the woman’s hand taking the card – you didn’t see her turn white with fear and whisper to herself: "Jesus, I only went out with the Milk Tray Man a couple of times and he can’t accept it’s over."'Um Bongo Juice, 1980s While nostalgic for many Britons today, needless to say you'd be hard pressed to see a drink made in Milnthorpe, Cumbria, touting itself as being the beverage 'they drink in the Congo' todayThe eighties were a different time in the UK - as could likely be evidenced by the very popular Um Bongo juice ads that ran throughout the era.Featuring animations of eclectic jungle scenes, a jingle sang: 'Way down deep in the middle of the Congo, A hippo took an apricot, a guava and a mango.'He stuck it with the others, and he danced a dainty tango. The rhino said, "I know, we'll call it Um Bongo" Um Bongo, Um Bongo, They drink it in the Congo.'The python picked the passion fruit, the marmoset the mandarin. The parrot painted packets, that the whole caboodle landed in.'So when it comes to sun and fun and goodness in the jungle, They all prefer the sunny funny one they call Um Bongo!'While nostalgic for many Britons today, needless to say you'd be hard pressed to see a drink made in Milnthorpe, Cumbria, touting itself as being the beverage 'they drink in the Congo' today.Irn Bru, 2000 In an advertisement that was eventually banned by Ofcom in 2004, Irn Bru leant into retro-American aesthetics with a black and white ad in 2000In an advertisement that was eventually banned by Ofcom in 2004, Irn Bru leant into retro-American aesthetics with a black and white ad in 2000.A family was seen seated at a piano together for a sing along, jauntily crooning that 'every body in the world loves Irn Bru'.In the baffling finale however, the mother hummed: 'And I ’specially love Irn Bru; Even though I used to be a man; Even though I used to be man!'She then appeared whistling along to the tune - this time shaving her face. This was largely regarded as appearing insensitive to the transgender community.Irn Bru's ad agency Leith at the time said they wanted to 'create a sense of humour while confirming the maverick nature of the brand' - and that the intention had 'not been to offend or to compound negative stereotypes, and that the woman in the advert was unashamed of her transsexuality' - the Guardian reported.Renault's Clio and Papa, 1990s 'Nicole' and 'Papa': Estelle Skornik and Max Douchin starring in one of the ads from the classic Renault Clio series in the 90sThey were two of the biggest stars on British TV during the 1990s, winning millions of fans for their portrayal of ‘Papa and Nicole’ in the classic Renault Clio ads.Max Douchin was the super suave, château-owning Frenchman, and Estelle Skornik played his beautiful daughter.Both became sex symbols as they darted off on romantic adventures, thrilling millions of Brits with their Gallic style and sophistication.So much so that when they starred together for the last time, in May 1998, many bemoaned the end of a glorious era full of frivolity and Provençal sunshine.The on-screen chemistry between Max and Estelle was instant when they first started filming in the South of France, and eight instalments aired from 1991 until 1998.Polls at the time suggested that Nicole was more of a household name than John Major, Britain’s then Prime Minister, while 300,000 Clios were sold over the seven years the ads ran, also featuring Paris and the French Alps.Meanwhile, the name Nicole became one of the most popular for new-born British girls.Remarkably, the actors only uttered four words throughout the campaign – the names Nicole, Papa, and Bernard – who was Papa’s capped and uniformed chauffeur – and Maman, French for mum.Viewers never got to see Nicole’s screen mother, with the implication being that the roguish Papa was always slipping off to see mistresses.Nicole, meanwhile, took any opportunity she could to meet up with a hunky boyfriend, especially when Papa was apparently having a snooze.The signature payoff line in all the ads was Nicole sounding shocked as she said: ‘Papa?’In turn, Papa would always reply slowly and equally enigmatically, 'Nicole…'Robert Palmer’s Johnny & Mary catchy pop tune always played in the background, without the lyrics.McCoy's, 'Man' Crisps, 2009 Much like the Yorkie 'it's not for girls' slogan, the McCoy's crisps advert played on stereotypes in a way that would not be permitted in 2026 'McCoys. Ridged, thick and unassailably colossal,' a voiceover declared, before the end screen declared they were 'man crisps'Much like the Yorkie 'it's not for girls' slogan, the McCoy's crisps advert played on stereotypes in a way that would likely not be permitted in 2026. A group of 'manly' pals drinking pints of beer in the pub and eating crisps, before one of them heads over to the jukebox. But due to an unfortunate mistake, he was jogged when putting his chosen numbers for a song in and ended up hitting the wrong button. To his mortification, Danny Osmond's single Puppy Love began playing and the whole room of male pubgoers turned to stare at him in shock. After receiving the looks of disgust for his 'soft' song choice, his flame grilled steak crisps were confiscated from him and he was suctioned out of the pub in shame. 'McCoys. Ridged, thick and unassailably colossal,' a voiceover declared, before the end screen declared they were 'man crisps'. John Smith's No Nonsense TV adverts, 2002 to 2005 with Peter Kay He's known for being the everyman comedian every British father loves - so there could have been no better mascot for John Smith's beer's 'no nonsense' campaign Peter in one also uses his legendary catchphrase - ''ave it' - in an ad which sees him kicking a football well over a house's roof, in contrast to impressive sporty stunts from his teammatesHe's known for being the everyman comedian every British father loves - so there could have been no better mascot for John Smith's beer's 'no nonsense' campaign.In a series of ads, the funnyman hilariously navigated notoriously awkward conversations - like telling your children where babies come from and suggesting a retirement home for your parents - with a frank honesty.In one particularly memorable clip, when recalling how he told his kids about the birds and the bees, Peter revealed the blunt biological terms he used to give a very detailed account of the fertilization process.Elsewhere, he told his 55-year-old mother he wanted to move her away to a care home so he can 'put a snooker table in her room'.Peter in one also uses his legendary catchphrase - ''ave it' - in an ad which sees him kicking a football well over a house's roof, in contrast to impressive sporty stunts from his teammates. Hamlet, Happiness is a cigar called Hamlet, 1986 Giving up, at the end he fell down to the floor - later emerging with a Hamlet Cigar, notably more pleasedFor this memorable 80s ad, cigar company Hamlet brought in Scottish comedian Gregor Fisher to reprieve his legendary 'Baldy Man' character - a vain man with only a scattering of hair strands across his head combed over.There is no dialogue in the awkwardly hilarious viewing, which saw the actor attempt to take a picture in a photo booth.However, at each point that he tried to hold a pose - full toothy grin on display - the camera shutter wouldn't go off.Confused, Baldy Man would relax his face to check the mechanism was working properly, only for that, naturally to be the point at which the snap is taken.Giving up, at the end he fell down to the floor - later emerging with a Hamlet Cigar, notably more pleased.Castella Classic Cigars, 1991 In the clip, the actor left a fellow fisherman bewildered with a bizarre technique - dropping an amp into the water so that the catch bounces off the soundwaves and into the netCastella Classic cigars in the nineties brought in comedian Russ Abbot for an ad which is likely to attract animal cruelty complaints today.In the clip, the actor left a fellow fisherman bewildered with a bizarre technique - dropping an amp into the water so that the catch bounces off the soundwaves and into the net.'Classic from Castella,' it concluded. 'For the man who thinks that little bit bigger.'