Talk2TheHand 90s

In this episode, we’re diving headfirst into the foam-filled, go-kart-racing chaos of Fun House, the legendary kids’ game show that defined after-school TV in the late 80s and 90s. Hosted by the energetic Pat Sharp, alongside cheerleading twins Melanie and Martina, Fun House was the ultimate dream for kids who loved action-packed challenges, wild obstacle courses, and, of course, gallons of gunge!...

This week, we’re turning up the nostalgia with a deep dive into Eternal, the powerhouse girl group that brought smooth R&B vocals and unforgettable hits to the 90s. From their breakout album Always & Forever to their chart-topping success, we’re exploring how they became one of the UK’s most iconic girl groups. We’ll take a look at their rise to fame, the comparisons to American R&B gr...

Step into the stylish world of The House of Eliott! To Beths immense joy, we’re diving into the beloved 90s BBC drama that brought 1920s fashion, ambition, and drama to our screens. Created by Upstairs, Downstairs duo Jean Marsh and Eileen Atkins, the series followed sisters Beatrice and Evangeline Eliott as they built a pioneering fashion house in a world still dominated by men. We’ll explore wha...

In this episode, we dive into the career of Vanessa Feltz, one of British television’s most recognizable personalities. From her early days as a pioneering female voice in talk radio to her rise as a daytime TV staple, Vanessa has built a reputation for sharp wit, no-nonsense interviews, and an unmistakable on-screen presence. But alongside the success came controversy—most notably, the infamous V...

In this episode, we step into the world of Riverdance, the groundbreaking stage show that took the world by storm. From its electrifying debut at the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest to its evolution into a global phenomenon, we explore how this fusion of Irish dance, music, and storytelling captivated audiences and redefined traditional performance. We’ll dive into the show's origins, the impact of M...

In this episode of Talk2TheHand, we dive into the wild and eccentric life of Screaming Lord Sutch, the rock 'n' roll pioneer who became one of Britain’s most notorious political pranksters. From his early days fronting the horror-infused rock band The Savages to his countless bids for public office as the leader of the Monster Raving Loony Party, Sutch carved out a career that was equal parts musi...

In this episode of Talk2TheHand, we step through the magical portal of 90s television and revisit Goodnight Sweetheart, the beloved BBC sitcom that blended time travel, romance, and comedy in a way no other show quite dared. Created by Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran, this unique series followed Gary Sparrow, a hapless TV repairman who stumbles upon a time portal to 1940s London. With a wife in th...

In this episode of Talk2TheHand, we dive into the fascinating story of Dolly the Sheep, the world’s first animal cloned from an adult cell, and the scientific breakthrough that shook the world. Born in 1996 at the Roslin Institute in Scotland, Dolly wasn’t just any sheep—she was living proof that cloning from adult cells was possible, challenging everything scientists thought they knew about biolo...

In this episode of Talk2TheHand, we take a deep dive into Glenn Hoddle’s controversial tenure as England manager—a period marked by tactical innovation, high expectations, and dramatic downfall. Appointed in 1996 after Terry Venables, Hoddle was seen as the man to take England to the next level. But while his reign showed flashes of brilliance, it was ultimately overshadowed by off-field controver...

In this episode of Talk2TheHand, we dive into the fascinating evolution of Sky TV, the network that revolutionised British broadcasting. From its scrappy beginnings in the late 1980s to becoming a powerhouse in sports, entertainment, and news, Sky’s journey is one of bold risks, fierce competition, and game-changing innovation. We explore how Rupert Murdoch’s ambitious venture transformed from a s...

In this episode, we unravel the gripping story of Nick Leeson, the infamous rogue trader whose unchecked ambition and high-risk strategies led to the catastrophic collapse of Barings Bank, one of Britain’s oldest and most prestigious financial institutions. From his rapid rise through the ranks to the devastating fallout of his actions, Leeson's tale is a cautionary story of hubris, deception, and...

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the story of All Saints, the iconic girl group that defined an era of pop music with their edgy style and unforgettable hits. From their humble beginnings to international stardom, All Saints broke the mold of traditional girl groups, blending R&B, pop, and a touch of grit to create a sound and image that set them apart. But their journey was far from...

In this episode, we delve into the disturbing story of Harold Shipman, one of history's most notorious serial killers. Known as "Dr. Death," Shipman was a trusted family doctor in England who was convicted of murdering 15 patients but is suspected of killing as many as 250 over his decades-long career. How did a man sworn to save lives betray the ultimate trust of his patients, and why did it take...

In this episode, we’re shining a spotlight on Soldier Soldier, the iconic 90s British drama that brought the camaraderie, challenges, and triumphs of military life into living rooms across the nation. From its gripping storylines to its memorable characters, this series gave viewers a rare and emotional glimpse into the lives of soldiers when the uniform comes off. Join us as we delve into what ma...

In this episode, we explore the history of Page 3, one of the most controversial and enduring features of British tabloid culture. Introduced in The Sun newspaper in 1970, Page 3 became synonymous with topless glamour models, capturing both the public’s fascination and fury. From its roots as a cheeky addition to the paper to its evolution into a cultural flashpoint, we unravel how this feature bo...

In part two of our Spice Girls special, we delve into the cinematic and commercial heights of the Spice Girls' career, starting with the chaotic yet iconic Spice World: The Movie. Despite its campy charm being savaged by critics, the film became a box office hit and a cultural touchstone, embodying the group's playful energy. From its frantic production schedule to its critical reappraisal as a be...

We've arrived for a big one! We're going back to the 90s when the Spice Girls formed to recount their journey. This is part one of a two part special. The Spice Girls' journey began on March 4, 1994, when 400 hopefuls answered an ad to form a girl group. Over time, the group’s lineup evolved, culminating in the iconic quintet: Mel B, Mel C, Victoria, Geri, and Emma. Early rehearsals, demos, and au...

This week on Talk2TheHand, we dive into the glittering world of Smash Hits—the legendary pop magazine that defined an era and shaped the music tastes of millions of 80s and 90s kids. Known for its cheeky tone, playful interviews, and iconic posters, Smash Hits wasn’t just a magazine; it was the pop bible for fans of Wham!, Madonna, Kylie, Take That, and beyond. We’ll explore how it captured the he...

In this episode of Talk2TheHand, we take a trip to Craggy Island to revisit the iconic 90s sitcom Father Ted. Join us as we chat about the irreverent humor, unforgettable characters like Ted, Dougal, and Mrs. Doyle, and the show's unique ability to mix absurdity with sharp satire. We explore the show's legacy, its impact on 90s pop culture, and the standout moments that still make us laugh out lou...

In this episode, we explore the chilling story of the Jenny Jones murder case, one of the most infamous and controversial incidents linked to the talk show world. Jenny Jones, a popular daytime talk show host, was known for her candid discussions and often sensational topics. But in 1995, the show took a dark turn when a guest named Scott Amedure appeared on her program to discuss his secret crush...

In this episode, we dive into one of the most iconic gaming consoles of all time: the Nintendo GameBoy. Released in 1989, the GameBoy forever changed the landscape of portable gaming, offering players the chance to enjoy video games on the go. We take a look at the history behind its development, the vision of its creator Gunpei Yokoi, and how Nintendo’s gamble with this handheld device set the st...

Britpop Rewind: Defining the 90s with BritpopMemories In this episode, Beth and Jimmy dive into the heart of 90s Britpop with special guest James from the popular Twitter (yes, it's still Twitter!) account BritpopMemories! James takes us back to the iconic sounds of the era, sharing how he first fell for Britpop and giving his personal list of five defining albums—including classics from Suede, Pu...

In this podcast episode, we dive into the iconic British sitcom Birds of a Feather, which first aired in 1989 and became an instant hit with audiences across the UK. The show follows the lives of Sharon and Tracey, two sisters who find themselves living together in Essex after their husbands are imprisoned for armed robbery. We’ll explore how the show became a staple of British television, deliver...

In this episode, we dive into the life and legacy of Jim Hellwig, the man who became known to millions as the Ultimate Warrior. From his early days as a bodybuilder to his meteoric rise in the wrestling world, Hellwig was a force of nature whose intense energy and vibrant persona electrified audiences. We’ll explore how he crafted the iconic character of the Ultimate Warrior, who was known for his...

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating story of Eldorado, the British soap opera that captured imaginations in the early '90s.  Set in the sunny, fictional Spanish town, Eldorado was meant to bring a taste of the Mediterranean lifestyle to the UK, with its glamorous characters, complex storylines, and dramatic twists. However, despite its ambitious vision and international setting, the show...