Top of the Pops (Season 18)

The biggest stars, the most iconic performances, the most outrageous outfits – it’s Britain’s number one pop show.

  • Poster for Episode 1

    Episode 1 0.0

    Air date: 1981-01-01

    Runtime: 45 min

    Overview: Dave Lee Travis and Tommy Vance introduce a special edition, featuring some of the top records of 1980. Including performances from Ottawan, The Jam, The Detroit Spinners, and Kelly Marie.

  • Poster for Episode 2

    Episode 2 0.0

    Air date: 1981-01-08

    Runtime: 40 min

    Overview: Richard Skinner introduces the pop programme, with performances from The Look, Chas and Dave, The Beat, Matchbox, The Nolans and Racey, and a dance sequence from Legs & Co.

  • Poster for Episode 3

    Episode 3 0.0

    Air date: 1981-01-15

    Runtime: 40 min

    Overview: A look at Britain's best-selling discs, artists, and news from the Top 40. Including performances from Gary Numan, Dire Straits, Phil Collins, and Mac Davis. Introduced by Dave Lee Travis.

  • Poster for Episode 4

    Episode 4 0.0

    Air date: 1981-01-22

    Runtime: 40 min

    Overview: Peter Powell introduces the pop programme, with performances from The Look, Spandau Ballet, XTC, Adam and the Ants, Bad Manners and Blondie.

  • Poster for Episode 5

    Episode 5 0.0

    Air date: 1981-01-29

    Runtime: 40 min

    Overview: Tommy Vance introduces the pop programme, featuring Slade, The Stranglers, Sheila Hylton, Susan Fassbender, John Lennon, The Gap Band, Phil Collins, Madness and Ultravox, and a dance performance from Legs & Co.

  • Poster for Episode 6

    Episode 6 0.0

    Air date: 1981-02-05

    Runtime: 40 min

    Overview: Simon Bates introduces the pop programme, featuring Joe Dolce, The Stray Cats, The Passions, Rainbow, Blondie, Spandau Ballet, Cliff Richard, Dire Straits, XTC and John Lennon, and a dance performance from Legs & Co.

  • Poster for Episode 7

    Episode 7 0.0

    Air date: 1981-02-12

    Runtime: 40 min

    Overview: Richard Skinner introduces the pop programme, featuring The Pretenders, Barbara Jones, Kelly Marie, Freeez, Beggar and Co, Coast to Coast, Slade and John Lennon, and a dance performance from Legs & Co.

  • Poster for Episode 8

    Episode 8 0.0

    Air date: 1981-02-19

    Runtime: 35 min

    Overview: A look at Britain's best-selling discs, artists, and news from the Top 40. Including performances from Rainbow, Headgirl (motorhead & Girlschool), Stray Cats, and Visage. Introduced by Dave Lee Travis.

  • Poster for Episode 9

    Episode 9 0.0

    Air date: 1981-02-26

    Runtime: 40 min

    Overview: Peter Powell introduces the pop programme, featuring Status Quo, Kim Wilde, Madness, Kiki Dee, Coast to Coast, The Passions, Roxy Music and Joe Dolce, and a dance performance from Legs & Co.

  • Poster for Episode 10

    Episode 10 0.0

    Air date: 1981-03-05

    Runtime: 40 min

    Overview: Mike Read introduces the pop programme, featuring Duran Duran, Shakin Stevens, Phil Collins, The Who, Adam and the Ants, Toyah, Motorhead & Girlschool, Joe Dolce, Talking Heads and The Teardrop Explodes, and a dance performance from Legs & Co.

  • Poster for Episode 11

    Episode 11 0.0

    Air date: 1981-03-12

    Runtime: 40 min

    Overview: Tommy Vance introduces the pop programme, featuring The Teardrop Explodes, Kim Wilde, Linx, Status Quo, Kelly Marie, Freeez, Beggar & Co, Landscape, Talking Heads, Kiki Dee, Coast to Coast and Roxy Music, and a dance performance from Legs & Co.

  • Poster for Episode 12

    Episode 12 0.0

    Air date: 1981-03-19

    Runtime: 30 min

    Overview: Peter Powell introduces the pop programme, featuring Sharon Redd, Bucks Fizz, Colin Blunstone & Dave Stewart, Toyah, The Who, Phil Collins, Shakin Stevens, Visage, Roxy Music and Duran Duran, and a dance performance from Legs & Co.

  • Poster for Episode 13

    Episode 13 0.0

    Air date: 1981-03-26

    Runtime: 30 min

    Overview: Richard Skinner introduces the pop programme, featuring Graham Bonnet, Hazel O'Connor, Tony Capstick, Gillan, Lene Lovich, Bad Manners, Shakin' Stevens, Linx, Landscape, the Polecats and Kim Wilde, and a dance performance from Legs & Co.

  • Poster for Episode 14

    Episode 14 0.0

    Air date: 1981-04-02

    Runtime: 30 min

    Overview: Simon Bates introduces the pop programme, featuring Stiff Little Fingers, Liquid Gold, Light of the World, Children of Tansley School, Sugar Minott, Lena Zavaroni, Spandau Ballet, Shakin' Stevens, Stevie Wonder, The Nolans and Bucks Fizz, and a dance performance from Legs & Co.

  • Poster for Episode 15

    Episode 15 0.0

    Air date: 1981-04-09

    Runtime: 30 min

    Overview: Mike Read introduces the pop programme, featuring Keith Marshall, Bucks Fizz, Public Image, Eddy Grant, Linx, Saxon, Graham Bonnet, Gillan, The Whispers and Shakin' Stevens, and a dance performance from Legs & Co.

  • Poster for Episode 16

    Episode 16 0.0

    Air date: 1981-04-16

    Runtime: 40 min

    Overview: Peter Powell introduces the pop programme, featuring Bad Manners, Girlschool, Department S, The Beat, The Cure, The Nolans, UK Subs, The Jacksons, Whitesnake, Spandau Ballet, Sugar Minott, Bucks Fizz and Ennio Morricone, and a dance performance from Legs & Co.

  • Poster for Episode 17

    Episode 17 0.0

    Air date: 1981-04-23

    Runtime: 40 min

    Overview: A look at Britain's best-selling discs, artists, and news from the Top 40. Including performances from Matchbox, Roger Taylor, Barry Manilow, and Keith Marshall. Introduced by Dave Lee Travis.

  • Poster for Episode 18

    Episode 18 0.0

    Air date: 1981-04-30

    Runtime: 40 min

    Overview: A look at Britain's best-selling discs, artists, and news from the Top 40. Including performances from Madness, Sheena Easton, Ennio Morricone, and Quincy Jones. Introduced by Jimmy Savile.

  • Poster for Episode 19

    Episode 19 0.0

    Air date: 1981-05-07

    Runtime: 40 min

    Overview: A look at Britain's best-selling discs, artists, and news from the Top 40. Including performances from Stray Cats, Keith Marshall, Eddy Grant, and Reo Speedwagon. Introduced by Peter Powell.

  • Poster for Episode 20

    Episode 20 0.0

    Air date: 1981-05-14

    Runtime: 20 min

    Overview: Tommy Vance introduces the pop programme. Includes appearances from Thin Lizzy, Department S, Tenpole Tudor, Sheena Easton, Kim Carnes and Adam and the Ants, plus a dance performance by Legs and Co.

  • Poster for Episode 21

    Episode 21 0.0

    Air date: 1981-05-21

    Runtime: 40 min

    Overview: A look at Britain's best-selling discs, artists, and news from the Top 40. Including performances from Shakin' Stevens, Toyah, The Teardrop Explodes, and The Human League. Introduced by Dave Lee Travis.

  • Poster for Episode 22

    Episode 22 0.0

    Air date: 1981-05-28

    Runtime: 35 min

    Overview: Simon Bates introduces the pop programme, featuring The Polecats, UB40, Hazel O'Connor, Coast to Coast, Adam & the Ants and Kim Carnes, plus a dance performance from Legs & Co.

  • Poster for Episode 23

    Episode 23 0.0

    Air date: 1981-06-04

    Runtime: 35 min

    Overview: Richard Skinner introduces the pop programme, featuring Siouxsie & the Banshees, Imagination, Phil Collins, Squeeze, The Jam, Toyah and Adam & the Ants, plus a dance performance from Legs & Co.

  • Poster for Episode 24

    Episode 24 0.0

    Air date: 1981-06-11

    Runtime: 35 min

    Overview: A look at Britain's best-selling discs, artists, and news from the Top 40. Including performances from Hazel O'connor, Elaine Paige, Ultravox, and Enigma. Introduced by Jimmy Savile.

  • Poster for Episode 25

    Episode 25 0.0

    Air date: 1981-06-18

    Runtime: 35 min

    Overview: Peter Powell introduces the pop programme, featuring Linx, Phil Collins, Odyssey, The Specials, Imagination and Smokey Robinson, and a dance performance from Legs & Co.

  • Poster for Episode 26

    Episode 26 0.0

    Air date: 1981-06-25

    Runtime: 32 min

    Overview: Simon Bates introduces the pop programme, featuring The Evasions, Randy Crawford, Depeche Mode, Elaine Paige, Kirsty MacColl and Gillan, and a dance performance from Legs & Co.

  • Poster for Episode 27

    Episode 27 0.0

    Air date: 1981-07-02

    Runtime: 35 min

    Overview: A look at Britain's best-selling discs, artists, and news from the Top 40. Including performances from Third World, Quincy Jones, Linx, and Michael Jackson. Introduced by Dave Lee Travis.

  • Poster for Episode 28

    Episode 28 0.0

    Air date: 1981-07-09

    Runtime: 35 min

    Overview: A special live edition of the chart show, celebrating the 900th episode. A look at Britain's best-selling discs, artists, and news from the Top 40. Including performances from The Supremes, The Dave Clark Five, Randy Crawford, and Tom Tom Club. Introduced by Jimmy Savile, Alan Freeman, David Jacobs, & Pete Murray.

  • Poster for Episode 29

    Episode 29 0.0

    Air date: 1981-07-16

    Runtime: 32 min

    Overview: Peter Powell introduces the pop programme, featuring Spandau Ballet, Saxon, Dexys Midnight Runners, Third World, Kate Bush, Bad Manners and The Specials, and a dance performance from Legs & Co.

  • Poster for Episode 30

    Episode 30 0.0

    Air date: 1981-07-23

    Runtime: 35 min

    Overview: Richard Skinner introduces the pop programme, featuring the Vapors, Tight Fit, Gidea Park, Sheena Easton, Visage and the Specials, and a dance performance from Legs & Co.

  • Poster for Episode 31

    Episode 31 0.0

    Air date: 1981-07-30

    Runtime: 35 min

    Overview: Steve Wright introduces the pop programme, featuring Kim Wilde, The Undertones, Duran Duran, Bill Wyman, Stevie Wonder, Spandau Ballet, The Specials and Shakin' Stevens, and a dance performance from Legs & Co.

  • Poster for Episode 32

    Episode 32 0.0

    Air date: 1981-08-06

    Runtime: 35 min

    Overview: A look at Britain's best-selling discs, artists, and news from the Top 40. Including performances from Sheena Easton, Lobo, Reo Speedwagon, and Tight Fit. Introduced by Jimmy Savile.

  • Poster for Episode 33

    Episode 33 0.0

    Air date: 1981-08-13

    Runtime: 35 min

    Overview: Simon Bates introduces the pop programme, featuring Duran Duran, Soft Cell, Aneka, Shakin' Stevens, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Electric Light Orchestra and Bill Wyman, and a dance performance from Legs & Co.

  • Poster for Episode 34

    Episode 34 0.0

    Air date: 1981-08-20

    Runtime: 35 min

    Overview: A look at Britain's best-selling discs, artists, and news from the Top 40. Including performances from The Human League, Siouxsie & The Banshees, Randy Crawford, and Lobo. Introduced by Dave Lee Travis.

  • Poster for Episode 35

    Episode 35 0.0

    Air date: 1981-08-27

    Runtime: 35 min

    Overview: Richard Skinner introduces the pop programme, featuring Startrax, Ultravox, Cliff Richard, The Rolling Stones, Aneka and Genesis, and a dance performance from Legs & Co.

  • Poster for Episode 36

    Episode 36 0.0

    Air date: 1981-09-03

    Runtime: 35 min

    Overview: Peter Powell introduces the pop programme, featuring The Teardrop Explodes, OMD, Modern Romance, Dollar, Soft Cell, Gary Numan and Funkapolitan, and a dance performance from Legs & Co.

  • Poster for Episode 37

    Episode 37 0.0

    Air date: 1981-09-10

    Runtime: 40 min

    Overview: A look at Britain's best-selling discs, artists, and news from the Top 40. Including performances from Cliff Richard, Randy Crawford, Imagination, and Ottawan. Introduced by Jimmy Savile.

  • Poster for Episode 38

    Episode 38 0.0

    Air date: 1981-09-17

    Runtime: 40 min

    Overview: Steve Wright introduces the pop programme, featuring performances from Gidea Park, Beggar & Co, Sheena Easton, Godley and Creme, The Pointer Sisters, Bucks Fizz and Adam & The Ants, and a dance performance from Legs & Co.

  • Poster for Episode 39

    Episode 39 0.0

    Air date: 1981-09-24

    Runtime: 40 min

    Overview: Simon Bates introduces the pop chart programme, featuring performances from Slade, Depeche Mode, Madness, Imagination, Alvin Stardust, Linx and Adam & The Ants, and a dance performance from Legs & Co.

  • Poster for Episode 40

    Episode 40 0.0

    Air date: 1981-10-01

    Runtime: 40 min

    Overview: Weekly pop chart programme presented by Mike Read, first broadcast on 1 October 1981. Includes appearances from The Tweets, Toyah, Altered Images, Gidea Park, The Creatures, Bad Manners, Dollar and Adam & The Ants, plus a dance sequence by Legs & Co.

  • Poster for Episode 41

    Episode 41 0.0

    Air date: 1981-10-08

    Runtime: 40 min

    Overview: A look at Britain's best-selling discs, artists, and news from the Top 40. Including performances from Dave Stewart & Barbara Gaskin, Shakin' Stevens, Elvis Costello & The Attractions, and Tight Fit. Introduced by Dave Lee Travis.

  • Poster for Episode 42

    Episode 42 0.0

    Air date: 1981-10-15

    Runtime: 40 min

    Overview: David 'Kid' Jensen presents the TOTP hits of the week, first broadcast on 15 October 1981. Includes appearances from BA Robertson & Maggie Bell, Squeeze, Dave Stewart & Barbara Gaskin, This Year's Blonde, Toyah, The Creatures and Bad Manners. Also includes a dance sequence by Legs & Co.

  • Poster for Episode 43

    Episode 43 0.0

    Air date: 1981-10-22

    Runtime: 35 min

    Overview: A look at Britain's best-selling discs, artists, and news from the Top 40. Including performances from The Human League, The Four Tops, Gillan, and The Jam. Introduced by Jimmy Savile.

  • Poster for Episode 44

    Episode 44 0.0

    Air date: 1981-10-29

    Runtime: 35 min

    Overview: Simon Bates presents appearances from Altered Images, Trevor Walters, Haircut 100, Squeeze, Olivia Newton John, OMD, BA Robertson & Maggie Bell, and Dave Stewart & Barbara Gaskin.

  • Poster for Episode 45

    Episode 45 0.0

    Air date: 1981-11-05

    Runtime: 40 min

    Overview: Peter Powell presents the weekly pop chart show, first broadcast on 5 November 1981. Includes appearances from The Dukes, Jets, ABC, Modern Romance, The Police, Rush, Julio Iglesias, Dave Stewart & Barbara Gaskin, and The Four Tops.

  • Poster for Episode 46

    Episode 46 0.0

    Air date: 1981-11-12

    Runtime: 35 min

    Overview: A look at Britain's best-selling discs, artists, and news from the Top 40. Including performances from Omd, The Fureys With Davey Arthur, Air Supply, and Daryl Hall & John Oates. Introduced by Dave Lee Travis.

  • Poster for Episode 47

    Episode 47 0.0

    Air date: 1981-11-19

    Runtime: 35 min

    Overview: Steve Wright presents the pop chart show, first broadcast on 19 November 1981. Includes appearances by Modern Romance, The Pretenders, Fun Boy Three, ABC, Trevor Walters, Julio Iglesias, Diana Ross, Soft Cell and Zoo.

  • Poster for Episode 48

    Episode 48 0.0

    Air date: 1981-11-26

    Runtime: 35 min

    Overview: Mike Read presents the pop chart show, first broadcast on 26 November 1981. Includes appearances by Kim Wilde, Jets, Toyah, Kool & The Gang, Earth Wind & Fire, Cliff Richard, Ultravox, and Queen & David Bowie.

  • Poster for Episode 49

    Episode 49 0.0

    Air date: 1981-12-03

    Runtime: 32 min

    Overview: David 'Kid' Jensen presents the pop chart show, first broadcast on 3rd December 1981. Includes appearances from Bad Manners, Soft Cell, Duran Duran, Fun Boy Three, Godley & Creme, The Human League, Julio Iglesias and Zoo.

  • Poster for Episode 50

    Episode 50 0.0

    Air date: 1981-12-10

    Runtime: 35 min

    Overview: A look at Britain's best-selling discs, artists, and news from the Top 40. Including performances from Madness, Ken Dodd, Bucks Fizz, and Abba. Introduced by Jimmy Savile.

  • Poster for Episode 51

    Episode 51 0.0

    Air date: 1981-12-17

    Runtime: 35 min

    Overview: Simon Bates presents the pop charts show, first broadcast on 17 December 1981. Includes appearances from Duran Duran, Godley & Creme, the Snowmen, Cliff Richard, Rod Stewart, Status Quo, the Human League and Zoo.

  • Poster for Episode 52

    Episode 52 0.0

    Air date: 1981-12-24

    Runtime: 40 min

    Overview: David 'Kid' Jensen presents the weekly pop chart show, first broadcast on 24 December 1981. Includes appearances from Bucks Fizz, Dollar, Roy Wood & Wizzard, Elvis Costello & the Attractions, Altered Images, the Human League and Zoo.

  • Poster for The Hits of 1981

    The Hits of 1981 0.0

    Air date: 1981-12-31

    Runtime: 40 min

    Overview: Mike Read presents the hits of 1981, in a show first broadcast on 31 December 1981. Includes appearances from Adam & the Ants, John Lennon, Roxy Music, Aneka, The Police, The Specials, Joe Dolce, Julio Iglesias, Bucks Fizz, Soft Cell and The Human League.

Top of the Pops

Seasons

1964
1964
Episodes 53
1965
1965
Episodes 52
1966
1966
Episodes 52
1967
1967
Episodes 54
1968
1968
Episodes 53
1969
1969
Episodes 53
1970
1970
Episodes 53
1971
1971
Episodes 53
1972
1972
Episodes 53
1973
1973
Episodes 51
1974
1974
Episodes 45
1975
1975
Episodes 53
1976
1976
Episodes 54
1977
1977
Episodes 53
1978
1978
Episodes 50
1979
1979
Episodes 52
1980
1980
Episodes 44
1981
1981
Episodes 53
1982
1982
Episodes 53
1983
1983
Episodes 53
1984
1984
Episodes 53
1985
1985
Episodes 51
1986
1986
Episodes 52
1987
1987
Episodes 53
1988
1988
Episodes 52
1989
1989
Episodes 52
1990
1990
Episodes 52
1991
1991
Episodes 52
1992
1992
Episodes 51
1993
1993
Episodes 52
1994
1994
Episodes 52
1995
1995
Episodes 51
1996
1996
Episodes 52
1997
1997
Episodes 51
1998
1998
Episodes 51
1999
1999
Episodes 51
2000
2000
Episodes 55
2001
2001
Episodes 51
2002
2002
Episodes 51
2003
2003
Episodes 51
2004
2004
Episodes 50
2005
2005
Episodes 52
2006
2006
Episodes 30
Specials
Specials
Episodes 81

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