The 1980s has been named Britain's most iconic decade, according to new research. The era topped the rankings in six out of eight categories in a poll of 2,000 Britons, including hair, music, pop culture, TV shows, theme tunes, and catchphrases.
Brits want a return of 80s trends
The survey found that many Brits would welcome a lasting return of 1980s trends, including denim jackets (11%), big-volume hair and curls (9%), and retro trainers (8%). Almost a quarter (23%) would even be prepared to experiment with a modern take on an 80s mullet or perm, with nearly half of Gen Z stating they would consider sporting one of these throwback hairstyles.
When it comes to entertainment, 38% across all age groups wish big family TV nights remained part of daily life as they were in the '80s. They long for the era when everyone tuned into the same episode and discussed it the following day.
Nostalgia for classic TV
Other cherished moments included watching the programme with your family (36%), belting out the theme tune (27%), and waiting for cliff-hangers to be resolved (20%). The research was commissioned by UKTV to mark the 40th anniversary of Neighbours, with the first two series making their comeback 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.
The study revealed 47% have watched a rerun of a classic TV programme over the past 12 months to seek comfort or transport them back to their younger years (38%). Yet, the appetite for old-school TV isn't purely about nostalgia. Turns out, 49% agreed classic soaps deliver a level of drama and escapism they still relish today. This feeling was even stronger amongst younger generations, climbing to 68% of Gen Z and 60% of Millennials.
According to the study, these series remain most firmly lodged in people's memories due to their iconic characters (45%), dramatic storylines (39%), and catchy theme tunes (36%).
Neighbours returns to screens
When asked what might inspire them to watch an early episode of Neighbours, for 32% of Gen X it was all about tapping into the '80s nostalgia. Whereas 28% of Gen Z want to discover classic storylines they've never seen before. Fashion also plays a significant role, with 30% of all generations admiring Kylie Minogue's curly perm as Charlene. Others highlighted her tomboy style (17%), wedding outfits (16%), and Scott's double-denim look (14%).
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."
She added: "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."
The top 10 things Brits wish they could bring back from '80s TV are: the music, the humour, the family viewing routine, the fashion, the characters, the theme tunes, the drama, the storylines, the hair, and the cliff-hangers.
