Talk2TheHand 90s

ITV’s Bad Girls burst onto British screens in 1999, plunging viewers behind the gates of fictional Larkhall Prison. Unlike any drama before it, the series offered a raw, unfiltered look at the lives of women navigating incarceration, authority, and survival. With its blend of gritty realism, dark humor, and soap-opera twists, Bad Girls became a prime-time staple—redefining what was possible for female-led storytelling on UK television.
At the heart of the show was its brilliant ensemble cast, including the comic partnership of the Two Julies, the formidable Yvonne Atkins, and the infamous officer Sylvia “Bodybag” Hollamby. The characters were deeply flawed, resilient, and relatable, infusing the series with moments of both aching vulnerability and riotous fun. Their dynamic relationships and memorable quirks kept fans hooked, while also revealing the solidarity and divisions found in prison life.
Bad Girls wasn’t afraid to confront serious issues that most dramas skirted around. From wrongful convictions and miscarriages to domestic abuse, addiction, and institutional corruption, the show tackled taboos head-on. Its honest depictions sparked national debates, paved the way for nuanced LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media, and highlighted the realities and injustices faced by women inside the prison system.
Throughout its eight-season run, the series delivered unforgettable moments—heartbreaking goodbyes, shocking betrayals, ghostly twists, wild escapes, and even musical interludes. Later seasons leaned into high drama and sometimes camp excess, but always circled back to the fierce camaraderie and survival instinct at the series’ heart. Viewer loyalty soared, with millions tuning in and supporting iconic characters even as new faces and scandals emerged.
Today, Bad Girls stands as a trailblazer in British TV, influencing dramas and pop culture far beyond its original broadcast. Its impact endures: from a beloved West End musical to the enduring popularity of its stars, the legacy of Larkhall lives on—reminding us that, even behind locked doors, hope, humor, and rebellion will always find a way.
Talk2TheHand is an independent throwback podcast run by husband and wife, Jimmy and Beth. Obsessed with 90s nostalgia and 90s celebrities, we'll rewind the years and take you back to the greatest era of our lives.  
New episodes bursting with nostalgia of the 90s released on Tuesdays.
Please subscribe to our podcast and we'll keep you gooey in 1990s love.
Find us on Twitter @talk2thehandpod or email us at jimmy@talk2thehand.co.uk or beth@talk2thehand.co.uk

Get ready to rewind to the golden age of Saturday morning television as 90s Nostalgia takes you deep into the world of Live & Kicking – the show that defined a generation. For millions of British kids in the 1990s, this was more than just a TV program; it was a weekly ritual. From slapstick games to surprise celebrity interviews, Live & Kicking offered three hours of fast-paced, anarchic fun that brought entire families together in front of the telly.
In this episode, we trace the roots of Live & Kicking, beginning with its predecessor Going Live! and following its evolution from the original presenting dream team of Andi Peters, Emma Forbes, and John Barrowman, all the way through the Zoe Ball and Jamie Theakston era. We look at how the show managed to keep kids entertained for hours – no small feat in a pre-YouTube world.
You’ll hear about unforgettable moments like the infamous gunge tank, the puppet chaos of Trevor and Simon, and live performances from the hottest 90s pop acts. We also explore the behind-the-scenes madness of putting together three hours of live content every week – including technical glitches, last-minute script changes, and celebrity surprises.
But it wasn’t just about fun and games. Live & Kicking created a community. It gave kids a sense of participation, whether through live phone-ins, competitions, or studio audience antics. It was children’s television at its most ambitious and accessible, reflecting the optimism and energy of the 90s while giving young viewers a voice.
So whether you were glued to the screen in your pajamas or trying to win a Sega Mega Drive over the phone, this episode will bring the nostalgia flooding back. It's time to remember a time when weekends weren’t complete without cartoons, chaos, and the cry of “It’s Live & Kicking!”. Don’t miss this love letter to one of the most iconic children’s shows in British TV history.
Talk2TheHand is an independent throwback podcast run by husband and wife, Jimmy and Beth. Obsessed with 90s nostalgia and 90s celebrities, we'll rewind the years and take you back to the greatest era of our lives.  
New episodes bursting with nostalgia of the 90s released on Tuesdays.
Please subscribe to our podcast and we'll keep you gooey in 1990s love.
Find us on Twitter @talk2thehandpod or email us at jimmy@talk2thehand.co.uk or beth@talk2thehand.co.uk

In this episode, we step inside one of the most legendary shows in British television history: The Crystal Maze. Equal parts game show, immersive theatre, and surreal comedy, it captured the imaginations of 90s viewers with its larger-than-life set, frantic challenges, and unforgettable host, Richard O’Brien. With contestants clad in boiler suits and the elusive Crystal Dome beckoning at the end, the show turned everyday people into adventurers—and made every viewer wonder how they would fare inside the Maze.
We explore the show’s origins, tracing its roots back to the French series Fort Boyard, and its transformation into a uniquely British spectacle under the guidance of producer Malcolm Heyworth and Maze Master Richard O’Brien. With four distinct zones—Medieval, Aztec, Industrial (later Ocean), and Futuristic—the set itself became a character, a sprawling playground of puzzles, peril, and unexpected comedy. Each challenge tested contestants' physical prowess, mental agility, or nerves of steel, while the looming threat of the infamous “lock-in” added drama and high-stakes decision-making.
Richard O’Brien brought a wild, theatrical flair to the show, blending camp showmanship, cryptic commentary, and musical interludes that left contestants simultaneously baffled and delighted. His role was more than a host—he was the Maze’s heart and mischief, giving the show its surreal, whimsical tone. Later hosts, including Edward Tudor-Pole and Richard Ayoade in the 2010s revival, brought their own unique twists, but O’Brien’s tenure remains iconic.
We also dig into the cultural legacy of The Crystal Maze: how it shaped childhoods, inspired the rise of escape rooms, and gave us unforgettable catchphrases like “Will you start the fans, please?” The Crystal Dome, where teams frantically grabbed tokens in a windstorm of gold and silver, became one of the most memorable finales in TV history—not because of lavish prizes, but for the thrill of shared success and chaos.
Whether you were glued to Channel 4 in 1990 or just visited the modern live experience in London, this episode is a nostalgic trip through a game show that was truly ahead of its time. We unpack its appeal, creativity, and lasting influence, proving why The Crystal Maze still sparkles in the minds of fans decades later. Step inside with us—just don’t get locked in.
Talk2TheHand is an independent throwback podcast run by husband and wife, Jimmy and Beth. Obsessed with 90s nostalgia and 90s celebrities, we'll rewind the years and take you back to the greatest era of our lives.  
New episodes bursting with nostalgia of the 90s released on Tuesdays.
Please subscribe to our podcast and we'll keep you gooey in 1990s love.
Find us on Twitter @talk2thehandpod or email us at jimmy@talk2thehand.co.uk or beth@talk2thehand.co.uk

The Oasis reunion at Wembley Stadium on July 25, 2025, was a night that will be long remembered by fans and music lovers alike. Anticipation buzzed through the air long before the doors opened, as generations of fans gathered under clear summer skies, transforming Wembley Way into a living tribute to Britpop’s heyday. The event marked not just a concert, but a celebration—one capturing the spirit of an era and the enduring appeal of the Gallagher brothers’ music.
From the support acts to the final encore, the evening was a testament to Oasis’s profound cultural footprint. Opening with spirited performances from Cast and Richard Ashcroft, the atmosphere only grew more electrifying as dusk settled. Vintage footage and iconic Manchester imagery set the stage, creating an immersive nostalgia trip that connected the audience with the band’s roots and musical journey.
When Liam and Noel Gallagher finally took the stage, any lingering doubts about their reunion vanished. The band launched into their signature hits, each song met with a stadium-sized chorus as 90,000 voices became one—belting out “Morning Glory,” “Supersonic,” and “Wonderwall” with raw energy. The sibling banter was on display, but so was a genuine affection, making the set both powerful and personal.
Emotion reached its peak during “Don’t Look Back in Anger” and a moving tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, moments that reminded everyone of the music’s power to unite and heal. The closing fireworks during “Champagne Supernova” were more than spectacle—they marked the realization of countless fans’ dreams, and a hopeful promise for the future of British rock.
This episode isn’t just a concert review; it’s an invitation to relive a cultural milestone. From backstage anecdotes and crowd vibes to unexpected heartfelt moments on stage, listeners will feel as if they stood shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow fans, singing their hearts out and believing, however briefly, that glory days can return.
Talk2TheHand is an independent throwback podcast run by husband and wife, Jimmy and Beth. Obsessed with 90s nostalgia and 90s celebrities, we'll rewind the years and take you back to the greatest era of our lives.  
New episodes bursting with nostalgia of the 90s released on Tuesdays.
Please subscribe to our podcast and we'll keep you gooey in 1990s love.
Find us on Twitter @talk2thehandpod or email us at jimmy@talk2thehand.co.uk or beth@talk2thehand.co.uk

In this week’s deep dive into 90s nostalgia, we revisit one of British television’s most shocking and talked-about scandals—Richard Bacon’s abrupt firing from Blue Peter in October 1998. Once the face of Britain’s most wholesome children’s show, Bacon found himself at the center of a tabloid frenzy after admitting to cocaine use. It was the first time in the program’s 40-year history that a presenter had been dismissed, and the fallout shook viewers, parents, and the BBC itself.
Beth and Jimmy explore the incident from two very different angles. Beth sees Bacon's actions as an unforgivable breach of trust—especially given his status as a children’s role model—while Jimmy argues the reaction was wildly disproportionate and driven more by tabloid hysteria than real concern. Their spirited debate unpacks the moral expectations placed on public figures in the 90s, especially those working with children, and how those expectations may have evolved over time.
We chart Bacon’s early rise—from his roots in Mansfield and his breakout role on The Big Breakfast, to earning the coveted Blue Peter badge. But it’s the cocaine scandal that forms the crux of this episode, with all its messy, cultural implications. We examine how the BBC responded, how the public perceived the scandal, and how Bacon’s downfall was amplified by a media machine eager for blood.
Yet this isn’t just a story of disgrace—it’s one of resilience. From commercial radio gigs to his triumphant return on BBC Five Live, and eventually his reinvention as a respected broadcaster, documentary maker, and media entrepreneur, Bacon’s comeback is as compelling as his fall. We unpack how he managed to move past the stigma, what his journey says about redemption in British culture, and why he remains a fascinating—and complicated—figure in UK media history.
Whether you remember watching the scandal unfold in real time or are discovering it for the first time, this episode delivers a compelling mix of nostalgia, debate, and insight. Tune in as we explore how one bad night nearly ended a career—and how that career came back stronger, smarter, and stranger than anyone expected.
Talk2TheHand is an independent throwback podcast run by husband and wife, Jimmy and Beth. Obsessed with 90s nostalgia and 90s celebrities, we'll rewind the years and take you back to the greatest era of our lives.  
New episodes bursting with nostalgia of the 90s released on Tuesdays.
Please subscribe to our podcast and we'll keep you gooey in 1990s love.
Find us on Twitter @talk2thehandpod or email us at jimmy@talk2thehand.co.uk or beth@talk2thehand.co.uk

In this episode, we turn our spotlight on Maid Marian and Her Merry Men, one of the most inventive, anarchic, and subversively brilliant children’s shows ever to grace British television. Airing from 1989 to 1994 on BBC1, the series took the well-worn legend of Robin Hood and flipped it on its head—putting Marian in charge, packing in satire, and setting it all to music. With its wild humor, catchy songs, and fearless rewriting of folklore, it wasn’t just a kids’ show—it was a revolution in tights.
Created and written by Blackadder’s Tony Robinson, the show emerged from a frustration with how the Robin Hood story traditionally sidelined Marian. Robinson gave her center stage, crafting a heroine who was clever, tough, and completely unimpressed by Robin’s vanity. The result was a feminist reimagining wrapped in slapstick and song, starring Kate Lonergan as the no-nonsense leader of the gang, and Wayne Morris as the hilariously clueless Robin.
The cast included a dream team of comedic talent, from Danny John-Jules as reggae-rapping Barrington to Tony Robinson himself as the gloriously petty Sheriff of Nottingham. Behind the scenes, Robinson’s writing combined medieval mayhem with razor-sharp satire—skewering bureaucracy, gender roles, and even the BBC. The show constantly broke the fourth wall, embraced anachronisms, and gave kids a taste of social commentary disguised as comedy.
Original songs by Nick Russell-Pavier and David Chilton helped cement the show’s unique identity, with unforgettable tunes like “Mud” and “Call The Dentist” becoming instant classics. But what truly made Maid Marian special was its refusal to patronize its young audience. Instead, it treated them as smart, curious, and capable of catching both the fart jokes and the political ones.
Whether you're a long-time fan or a curious newcomer, this episode is a joyous celebration of a show that dared to be different. We’ll revisit its origins, its enduring cultural impact, and the reasons why Maid Marian and Her Merry Men remains one of British TV’s greatest hidden treasures. So grab your green tights, cue the music, and join us as we return to the forest where the real brains of the operation wore a dress—and carried the whole legend on her shoulders.
Talk2TheHand is an independent throwback podcast run by husband and wife, Jimmy and Beth. Obsessed with 90s nostalgia and 90s celebrities, we'll rewind the years and take you back to the greatest era of our lives.  
New episodes bursting with nostalgia of the 90s released on Tuesdays.
Please subscribe to our podcast and we'll keep you gooey in 1990s love.
Find us on Twitter @talk2thehandpod or email us at jimmy@talk2thehand.co.uk or beth@talk2thehand.co.uk

In this episode, we dive headfirst into one of the most defining – and divisive – social phenomena of 1990s Britain: Lad Culture. From the beer-soaked pages of Loaded to the banter-fuelled chaos of TFI Friday, Lad Culture reshaped British masculinity, media, and nightlife in its own cheeky, irreverent image. Whether you loved it, hated it, or just got swept along with it, this cultural moment left a legacy that’s still felt today.
We trace its roots to the mid-90s launch of Loaded magazine, a publication that celebrated lager, football, music, and women with a wink and a smirk. With its tagline “For men who should know better,” the magazine ignited a publishing revolution and sparked a nationwide identity shift. Soon, the lads weren’t just in magazines – they were all over our screens too, from the lovable oafs in Men Behaving Badly to the raucous party atmosphere of TFI Friday.
Lad Culture wasn’t confined to print and television. It bled into fashion, music, and the national psyche. Britpop bands like Oasis became lad anthems, while Paul Smith suits and Adidas Gazelles became part of the dress code. And of course, no discussion of Lad Culture would be complete without a visit to the pub – the spiritual home of the 90s lad and the birthplace of “banter” as both bonding ritual and social defence mechanism.
But for all its charm and cultural clout, Lad Culture had a darker side. Its objectification of women, celebration of binge drinking, and paper-thin irony around political correctness drew increasing criticism as the decade progressed. As digital media rose and political realities shifted in the early 2000s, Lad Culture lost its edge – and its influence.
Still, its impact lingers. From our advertising to our online discourse, echoes of Lad Culture remain part of how Britain talks, jokes, and remembers its recent past. In this episode, we unpack the rise and fall of the lads, and ask what their moment in the sun tells us about gender, identity, and the 1990s spirit of rebellion – both real and performative.
Talk2TheHand is an independent throwback podcast run by husband and wife, Jimmy and Beth. Obsessed with 90s nostalgia and 90s celebrities, we'll rewind the years and take you back to the greatest era of our lives.  
New episodes bursting with nostalgia of the 90s released on Tuesdays.
Please subscribe to our podcast and we'll keep you gooey in 1990s love.
Find us on Twitter @talk2thehandpod or email us at jimmy@talk2thehand.co.uk or beth@talk2thehand.co.uk

To celebrate our 100th episode, we’re diving deep into the four-fingered, doughnut-fuelled world of The Simpsons—the show that changed TV forever. What began as a quirky sketch on The Tracey Ullman Show grew into a cultural juggernaut that redefined animation, comedy, and family dysfunction for the 90s generation and beyond. In this episode, we trace its chaotic origins, legendary writing, and the surprisingly heartfelt soul at the centre of Springfield.
We revisit The Simpsons' golden age—those glorious mid-90s seasons packed with razor-sharp satire, perfect one-liners, and unforgettable episodes like Marge vs. the Monorail and Homer’s Enemy. We also explore its genius for social commentary, and how it tackled everything from class and politics to religion and environmentalism—all while making us laugh out loud and somehow care deeply about a man who once tried to block out the sun.
Of course, we couldn’t talk Simpsons without shouting out the talent behind it—both in the writers’ room and behind the mic. We discuss the impact of legends like Conan O’Brien and Greg Daniels, and celebrate the voice actors whose performances gave life to characters who are still household names. From Dan Castellaneta’s existential “D’oh!” to Nancy Cartwright’s eternal troublemaker Bart, these voices became the sound of the 90s.
We also chart the show’s place in pop culture history—from merchandise mania and school bans on “Eat My Shorts” t-shirts, to guest star glory and uncanny future predictions (President Trump, anyone?). The Simpsons didn’t just reflect culture—it bent it around itself, changing how we saw animation and, arguably, ourselves.
So whether you’re a Lisa at heart or more of a Moe, this 100th episode is a tribute to the cartoon that shaped a generation. It’s heartfelt, hilarious, a little bit nerdy—and yes, it’s filled with more Simpsons trivia than Comic Book Guy’s bookshelf. As always, thanks for listening. Now sit back, press play… and don’t have a cow, man.
 
 
Talk2TheHand is an independent throwback podcast run by husband and wife, Jimmy and Beth. Obsessed with 90s nostalgia and 90s celebrities, we'll rewind the years and take you back to the greatest era of our lives.  
New episodes bursting with nostalgia of the 90s released on Tuesdays.
Please subscribe to our podcast and we'll keep you gooey in 1990s love.
Find us on Twitter @talk2thehandpod or email us at jimmy@talk2thehand.co.uk or beth@talk2thehand.co.uk

Step into the squeaky blue plastic chairs of yesteryear as this episode of our 90s nostalgia podcast takes you back to the glorious chaos of British school life in the 1990s. From answering the register too early (a social death sentence) to the unspoken rules of the pencil case hierarchy, we’re diving into the details that made school in the 90s an unforgettable blend of awkward, hilarious, and occasionally traumatic moments.
We reminisce about the horror of forgetting your PE kit, the misery of lost property boxes that smelled like regret, and the quiet panic of mufti day wardrobe decisions. Whether you were the kid with a Woolworths multi-compartment pencil case or someone scribbling with a chewed-up biro, you’ll recognise the everyday drama that came with trying to survive the playground and the classroom alike.
Remember the reverence for Parker pens? Or the moment a TV trolley wheeled into the room, promising a blessed break from long division? From recorder lessons that sounded like a goose fight to the magical healing powers of green paper towels, we relive the bizarre, brilliant details of 90s school culture with the affection only time can bring.
We also celebrate the rituals that shaped us – forging sick notes, jostling for seats on school trip coaches, pretending to understand blurry OHP slides, and typing “5318008” into calculators with absolute glee. These moments didn’t just define our school days—they bonded a generation together in a uniquely British, mildly traumatising way.
So whether you survived swimming lessons with chlorine-sensitive excuses or found yourself emotionally changed by a particularly stressful Ofsted visit, this episode is your invitation to laugh, cringe, and nod along. The 90s school experience was a world of chaos and camaraderie—and we wouldn’t trade it for anything (except maybe to never play the recorder again).
Talk2TheHand is an independent throwback podcast run by husband and wife, Jimmy and Beth. Obsessed with 90s nostalgia and 90s celebrities, we'll rewind the years and take you back to the greatest era of our lives.  
New episodes bursting with nostalgia of the 90s released on Tuesdays.
Please subscribe to our podcast and we'll keep you gooey in 1990s love.
Find us on Twitter @talk2thehandpod or email us at jimmy@talk2thehand.co.uk or beth@talk2thehand.co.uk

The 11 o Clock Show
In the twilight years of the 1990s, The 11 O’Clock Show exploded onto Channel 4 as a sharp, satirical late-night comedy that would come to define a cultural shift in British humour. Launched in 1998, the show embraced controversy, irreverence, and chaos—offering a blend of current affairs commentary, anarchic sketches, and daring character work. What began as an experimental format with modest expectations quickly grew into a breeding ground for some of the most iconic comedic voices of the next two decades.
This episode explores how The 11 O’Clock Show served as the launchpad for then-unknown talents like Sacha Baron Cohen, Ricky Gervais, and Mackenzie Crook. We revisit Ali G’s legendary rise from fringe character to cultural juggernaut, Ricky Gervais’ early incarnations of cringe comedy, and Crook’s subtle brilliance in darkly offbeat sketches. All three would go on to revolutionise British and global comedy in their own ways, but it was this chaotic Channel 4 late-nighter where the seeds were first sown.
Behind the camera, the writing talent was equally impressive, with future stars like Charlie Brooker and John Oliver contributing to the show’s jagged, boundary-testing tone. With contributions from Father Ted creators and Borat collaborators, The 11 O’Clock Show was a nexus of comedy evolution, fusing tabloid cynicism with Gen X sarcasm.
The episode also unpacks the cultural moment that gave rise to the show: a time when New Labour’s gloss was beginning to crack, political correctness was being loudly challenged, and the media was becoming increasingly self-aware. The 11 O’Clock Show didn’t always get it right—it could be juvenile, offensive, and uneven—but it helped pave the way for the next era of British satire.
More than two decades later, the show’s influence can still be felt in the tone, style, and structure of modern comedy. From Ali G’s real-world interviews to the cringe-laced realism of The Office, The 11 O’Clock Show helped rewrite the rules of televised humour. This episode takes you back to the messy, brilliant, late-night chaos that changed the face of comedy—whether Channel 4 knew it or not.
Talk2TheHand is an independent throwback podcast run by husband and wife, Jimmy and Beth. Obsessed with 90s nostalgia and 90s celebrities, we'll rewind the years and take you back to the greatest era of our lives.  
New episodes bursting with nostalgia of the 90s released on Tuesdays.
Please subscribe to our podcast and we'll keep you gooey in 1990s love.
Find us on Twitter @talk2thehandpod or email us at jimmy@talk2thehand.co.uk or beth@talk2thehand.co.uk