• Home
• 40 Hits of 1986 at the BBC

Page

40 Hits of 1986 at the BBC

• Summary
• How to watch
• News & features

40 Hits of 1986 at the BBC

Save

• 2026

• Music

Summary

A selection of archive performances from the year, featuring A Different Corner by George Michael, Simply Red's Holding Back the Years, Touch Me by Samantha Fox and Jermaine Stewart's We Don't Have to Take Our Clothes Off. Plus, appearances by Pet Shop Boys, A-ha, Eurythmics, Erasure, Nick Berry, Falco, Nana Mouskouri and Europe

Ad

Review

Mark Braxton

Forty years is a long time ago, but such is the magic of such shows that it can seem like yesterday. 1986 was quite the launchpad for everyone from Mel and Kim to Pet Shop Boys. A-ha had really taken off the year before with Take on Me but hit the top spot with The Sun Always Shines on TV. And Simply Red released Holding Back the Years in 85 but the reissue bested its 51 placing and made number two – some of us can’t hear it without recalling Only Fools and Horses in melancholy mode.

The year also saw an end to Wham!’s brief and glorious chart residency, but also its kingpin’s continued rise with a second solo number one, A Different Corner. By George what a talent, and how we still miss him…

Models-turned-singers Nick Kamen and Samantha Fox began a mini-trend, the latter’s miming amid the unchoreographed crew of HMS Ark Royal a hilarious highlight here. Kate Bush released The Hounds of Love and Diana Ross started a Chain Reaction. Big-hitters are all fine and dandy, but it’s often more fun when these compilations go more “pub question” and one-hit-wondery. So what, without looking it up, was Cutting Crew’s moment in the sun?

How to watch

Loading

Credits

Crew

rolenameSeries producerSimon Goretzki

Details

Languages

Formats

Colour

News & features about 40 Hits of 1986 at the BBC

• 
  
  Gary Lineker says he doesn't miss the BBC: "I'm enjoying life without having to tread on eggshells"
  
  Having left the BBC, the broadcaster and legendary England striker is keen to enjoy the freedom of the World Cup on his own terms.

• 
  
  Gregg Wallace hits out at MasterChef revamp's viewing figures following exit from hit BBC show
  
  The former judge was fired from the programme in 2025.

  Ad

• 
  
  BBC Weather hit by director-general Matt Brittin’s cuts - but is it the right move?
  
  A storm is brewing in the corridors of the BBC – will it mean a new low for our favourite weather presenters?

• 
  
  Gladiators favourite confirms exit from BBC hit: "This isn't the end"
  
  The Gladiator shared the news on Instagram.

• 
  
  Doctor Who legend talks classic BBC drama role as it turns 40: "I was very much the straight man, surrounded by these lunatics"
  
  Peter Davison celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Andrew Davies classic, A Very Peculiar Practice.

• 
  
  EastEnders announces hard-hitting Amy Mitchell storyline as BBC soap works with charities
  
  Craig uses his position of power to elicit control over Amy.

• 
  
  BBC confirms air date for Blue Lights season 4 as hit police drama returns
  
  This season will see the murder trial of Gerry Cliff exposing a dangerous and long-buried secret.

  Ad

• 
  
  BBC finally confirms future of Small Prophets as hit first run heads to Apple TV
  
  Mackenzie Crook has said that he is "thrilled to have the opportunity to tell the second half of this strange story".

• 
  
  Zoe Ball confirmed for new Greatest Hits Radio show following BBC Radio 2 exit
  
  The presenter will be joining the station from September...

• 
  
  BBC's Have I Got News for You reprimanded for "offensive" Victoria Beckham comment – but producer hits back
  
  The panel show's creator Jimmy Mulville calls the year-long BBC investigation "a total waste of the licence fee".

• 
  
  The Other Bennet Sister revealed to have hit big ratings milestone for BBC
  
  The Pride & Prejudice-inspired drama shines a spotlight on an overlooked character.

• 
  
  Boy George hits out at streaming after Top 40 charts success of vinyl-only album
  
  The pop star called music streaming a "waste of time".

• 
  
  Nightsleeper adds Merlin icon and more to season 2 cast as hit BBC thriller resumes filming
  
  The series is altering its mode of transportation this time around.

• 
  
  Has Strictly lost its magic? Why The Traitors has become the BBC's new unstoppable hit
  
  With hosts still learning on the job and A-listers tangoing over to The Traitors, here’s how to restore Strictly’s shine.

• 
  
  Death Valley season 2 release date is finally confirmed for hit BBC One series
  
  A litter pick takes a lethal turn in the season premiere.

• 
  
  Iconic Julie Walters series tipped for BBC reboot 40 years after it first aired
  
  Adrian Mole may be returning to screens in 2026.

• 
  
  Jimmy Carr tipped to be in talks for Top Gear reboot - 4 years after BBC hit went on hiatus
  
  Carr is said to be the first name picked for a new presenting line-up.

• 
  
  The Traitors season 4 finale ratings revealed as BBC hits record high
  
  Warning: spoilers ahead for The Traitors finale.

• 
  
  Suranne Jones stars in exclusive moody first-look teaser for Vigil season 3 as BBC hit returns
  
  The hit thriller is (finally) almost back.

• 
  
  Celebrity Traitors 2026 tipped to have signed TV academic for second run of hit BBC show
  
  Filming will reportedly commence this weekend.

• 
  
  Strictly Come Dancing favourite confirms exit from show after 13 years with BBC hit
  
  "I'm free to pursue and do many other projects that I’ve always wanted to do."

• 
  
  Casualty and Gladiators hit by schedule shake-up on BBC this weekend amid FA Cup matches
  
  Neither Casualty nor Gladiators will be airing in their usual Saturday night slots.

• 
  
  Amandaland, Two Doors Down and 5 more hit BBC comedies confirmed to return for new episodes
  
  It's a bumper comedy announcement from the BBC!

• 
  
  Why the legacy of The Golden Girls still really matters 40 years on from British debut
  
  On the 40th anniversary of the UK’s first episode of The Golden Girls, we’re still embracing their legacy and spirit.

See more about 40 Hits of 1986 at the BBC

Ad

Ad

Ad