As the 80s concluded with Margaret Thatcher’s tenth year in power in contrast to worldwide political change, Top of the Pops provided the perfect barometer of the UK's end-of-decade uncertainty. \n\nTop of the Pops hosted Pete Waterman’s final year of chart domination, courtesy of Jason Donovan, alongside the dawn of Madchester, a fresh front of female artists with attitude and power, an old-school duet between a 60s legend and an 80s icon, funki dreds and, yes, that pesky bunny.\n\nMeanwhile, Radio 1’s old guard were stood down as a team of fresh-faced recruits from children’s television took up the helm of the BBC’s weekly pop warhorse, which remained torn between its sense of heritage and the emerging threat of youth TV. \n\nThe stars of the year, including Jason Donovan, Lisa Stansfield, Shaun Ryder, Chris Rea, Marc Almond, Sharleen Spiteri, Jazzie B and more, plus TOTP presenter Jenny Powell, deliver their tales of a poptastic 1989 at Television Centre as they prepare to head into the 1990s.
Source: BBC 4
10/08/1978
Peter Powell presents the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 10 August 1978 and featuring performances by The Rezillos, Foreigner, Hi-Tension, Raydio, Renaissance, Jilted J ...
08-08-2025
BBC 4
08/08/1985
Richard Skinner and Simon Bates present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 08 August 1985. Featuring Dire Straits, Princess, Go West, Phil Collins and Amazulu.
08-08-2025
BBC 4
27/03/1998
Jamie Theakston presents the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 27 March 1998 and featuring Celine Dion, Pulp, Destiny's Child, M-People, All Seeing I, Tin Tin Out feat She ...
08-08-2025
BBC 4
20/03/1998
Jo Whiley presents the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 8 March 1998 and featuring Spice Girls, The Wombles, James, Alexia, Kylie Minogue, Bryan Adams, Texas and Run DMC ...
08-08-2025
BBC 4
The Story Of 1982
1982 marks the peak of British 'new pop' as Wham, ABC and Culture Club make sensational appearances, and Shalamar's Jeffrey Daniel premieres the moonwalk on British TV. Dexy's n ...
02-08-2025
BBC 4
02/08/1984
Simon Bates and Gary Davies present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 2 August 1984. Featuring Black Lace, Kane Gang, A Flock of Seagulls, Trevor Walters, George Micha ...
01-08-2025
BBC 4
31/07/1986
Janice Long and Mike Read present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 31 July 1986. Featuring Spandau Ballet, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Five Star, Stan Ridgway and Chris ...
01-08-2025
BBC 4
13/03/1998
Jayne Middlemiss presents the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 13 March 1998 and featuring Natalie Imbruglia, Simple Minds, Five, Ginuwine, Cast from Casualty, Shed Seven ...
01-08-2025
BBC 4
06/03/1998
Jamie Theakston presents the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 6 March 1998 and featuring Cornershop, Finley Quaye, Celine Dion, Hinda Hicks, Robyn, Space feat Cerys Matth ...
01-08-2025
BBC 4
18/05/1989
Anthea Turner and Mark Goodier present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 18 May 1989 and featuring Shakin' Stevens, Deacon Blue and Neneh Cherry.
16-05-2025
BBC 4
23/03/1983
John Peel and David Jensen present the weekly look at the pop charts, first broadcast on 23 March 1983. Featuring Joboxers, David Bowie, Orange Juice, Altered Images, Duran Dura ...
21-03-2025
BBC 4
Oasis
A special edition of the show focusing on the band Oasis. First broadcast 1998.
01-07-2023
BBC 4
Kylie Minogue
A compilation of classic Kylie performances from the Top of the Pops studio.
05-03-2022
BBC 4
05/05/1977
Noel Edmonds presents the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 5 May 1977 and featuring appearances from Bay City Rollers, Delegation, Mac and Katie Kissoon, Joy Sarney, Fran ...
05-05-2023
BBC 4
All Saints Special
A compilation of performances from the multi-award-winning girl group on Top of the Pops.
07-05-2022
BBC 4
19/12/1997
Jayne Middlemiss presents the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 19 December 1997 and featuring Natalie Imbruglia, Robbie Williams, Bryan Adams, All Saints, U2, Chicken She ...
23-05-2025
BBC 4
21/09/1978
Paul Burnett presents the pop chart show, first broadcast on 21 September 1978 and featuring Buzzcocks, John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John, Brotherhood of Man, The Jam, Leo Saye ...
20-09-2024
BBC 4
06/05/1976
Noel Edmonds presents the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 6 May 1976 and featuring Mud, Frankie Valli, Barry Manilow, Fox, Robin Sarstedt, Sutherland Brothers & Quiver, ...
03-05-2024
BBC 4
06/11/1986
Peter Powell and Steve Wright present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 6 November 1986. Featuring Bon Jovi, Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush, Red Box, Swing out Sister, Du ...
04-11-2022
BBC 4