Adverts Q-Z

Quavers - 1989

Remember kids, it's fine to kiss a random and clearly uninterested lady, after vandalising some art exhibits on display, just as long as you've eaten a tasty potato snack first. More lessons that were fine in the 80s here, courtesy of animated dog Colin who today is visiting an art gallery.

Quilted Velvet - 1998

A few years after the last of comedy series Keeping Up Appearances had aired, a Hyacinth Bucket-inspired character tries to appear better than the neighbours with how she keeps her bathroom here.

Red Bull - 1995

Red Bull have utilised a similar animation style for their advertising for almost as long as the drink has been sold. This particular one from early after their entry into the European market in 1995 doesn't use their more well known 'Red Bull Gives You Wings' slogan. However it does refer to European Members of Parliament proving just how long the subject of the EU has remained topical.

Red Leicester - 1984

Robert Fyfe provides the voice of an animated block of Red Leicester here, in the days before he went on to star as Howard in Last of the Summer Wine.

Renault Clio - 1991

The famous Nicole and Papa series of commercials for Renault Clio aired between 1991 and 1998, building up over time into a long running storyline which culminated with the most famous wedding advert in 1998. This earlier one from 1991 was the very first in the series.

Renault Scenic - 1998

A 'Change your Scenery' ad from 1998. Various characters mix seamlessly around the car to Marvellous by The Lightning Seeds.

Right Guard - 1996

A mix of animation and live action as a man digs a hole in the middle of the road - but he's still not working as hard as Right Guard.

Rocky Bars - 1995

A well remembered advert from the 90s set to a rewritten version of the song Rockin' Robin. This time it's for Rocky biscuits, with the famous Rocky Robin.

Rolo - 1998

A 1998 ad for Rolo. Made to look a little older, we see the Lone Ranger, Tonto and Silver all wanting the last Rolo. Clip courtesy of Iam Burn.

Roses - 1992

Say thank you with a box of Roses... awww. Although what the bloke in the car is doing with a spare box of Roses in the glove compartment in the first place is best not questioned!

Rover Metro - 1989

A young Michael Barrymore, famous at that time for hosting Strike it Lucky, appears to advertise the Rover Metro in 1989.

Rumbelows - 1990

A fast-paced advert for electronics chain Rumbelows. Rumbelows was originally started in 1969, before later being acquired by Thorn, owners of the Radio Rentals chain too. The chain lasted for several decades, before eventually being folded in 1995.

Safeway - 1995

~ NEW! ~

Neil Morrisey provided the voiceover for a small child for a series of adverts for former UK supermarket chain Safeway in the mid-nineties. Here a very localised version (albeit with generic footage) to celebrate the opening of a new store in Wolverhampton - these days the location having been taken over by Waitrose.

Salon Selectives - 1993

About as American an ad as you could get at the time, Salon Selectives was launched by the US cosmetics firm Helene Curtis as a salon-inspired hair care range. Originally heavily promoting the ability to mix and match just the right set of products for your hair, since the mid 90s the brand has changed hands several times as well as the products themselves being relaunched in various guises.

Scotch Cassettes - 1988

Scotch video cassettes, with their famous 'Re-record, not fade away' advert of the 80s. Based on the classic song, Not Fade Away, originally by Buddy Holly and covered in a later 1964 release by The Rolling Stones.

Seven Seas - 1993

The Tin Man became synonymous with Seven Seas Cod Liver Oil (and their other associated products) throughout the 90s as part of a successful attempt to rejuvenate sales of the product. And in this one from 1993, he's even got himself a friend!

Shredded Wheat - 1992

The late Brian Clough starring in one of a series of adverts for cereal Shredded Wheat that ran throughout the 80s and 90s.

Shredded Wheat - 1997

Where did Bet go after leaving Coronation Street? Well she did star in this Shredded Wheat advert - onwards and upwards in the world!

Skol Lager - 1986

A classic Skol Lager ad from 1986. Containing Hagar The Horrible, who appeared in several Skol adverts at the time, we hear a brief rendition of the Skol song (sung to the tune of Monty Python's Spam Song). Clip courtesy of Iam Burn.

Sky - 1989

Promoting an early multichannel lineup from Sky Television in 1989. Launched a few months earlier in the Spring of that year, the initial lineup that included Sky One, Sky Movies, Sky News and Eurosport. A far cry from the hundreds of channels that would be available on Sky in later years, but enough to allow them to steal a headstart on fellow satellite provider BSB. With apologies for a few video sync errors in this advert.

Sky - 1990

~ NEW! ~

Still fresh from the BSkyB merger earlier that month, Sky promote their subscription service with an advert for The World Masters snooker. Given what a killer part sport would play for the broadcaster in the following years, it's hard to remember a time where it was almost more of afterthought to their movies service.

Smarties Mini Eggs - 1997

Smarties.... the eggs that wont be beaten. Thanks to Iam again for this.

Smoking Quitline - 1993

John Cleese encourages the country to Quit Smoking in 1993.

Smoking Quitline - 1993

Another Quitline advert from 1993, this time with John Cleese in a morgue.

Snes - 1992

A simple advert from April 1992 heralding the arrival of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System to the UK. Nintendo's challenger to the Sega Megadrive for the 16 bit battle of the 90s.

Snickers - 1991

An early 90s reminder of how buses in London looked before they all had low floors in this Snickers advert. At this point Snickers was still a very young brand to the UK, having only changed from the more familiar Marathon name a year previous. Whether a bus driver and a design consultant were really the most memorable people to push a new brand is debatable... but 1991 was a different time!

Snickers - 1995

A few years later, and the ad style for Snickers has moved into those much bigger earners - using Football and Comedy!

Snickers Ice Cream - 1995

Also from 1995, only this time it's for the frozen version of the peanut-based bar, Snickers Ice Cream.

Solpaflex - 1997

Creating the stuff of nightmares is this computer rendered advert from SmithKline Beecham, as they were then known, for painkillers.

Special K - 1992

Probably not doing much to help body confidence issues in this 1992 advert for Special K.

Special K - 1996

A few years later, although for some reason we're still living by the coast. Was Special K not allowed to be consumed by anyone living further inland in the 90s?

Stella Artois - 1996

Another Reassuringly Expensive ad for Stella Artois from 1996. A Good Samaritan helps out all those he meets... but it's still not enough to warrant anyone buying him a pint of Stella at the pub.

Stella Artois - 1998

After being used for many years, Verdi's Overture to La Forza Del Destino became almost synonymous with the Stella Artois campaigns, doubtless not to the like of opera lovers. Here it plays out over the background of a story about an expensive pair of shoes, one of many such adverts promoting the drink as 'Reassuringly Expensive'.

Strong Mints - 1986

Oh no... an iceberg! What will we do? A funny little Titanic spoof, starring David Swift, advertising Trebor's Extra Strong Mints in the mid 80s. Courtesy of Iam Burn.

Sun Valley - 1993

A colourful advert with a catchy and memorable tune for Sun Valley Chicken from the early 90s. An attempt to shake off the preconceived image and make pre-packaged chicken products look more gourmet.

Surf - 1995

This is one of the earlier Surf adverts featuring actors Pauline and Linda, of Birds of a Feather fame. Here they discuss the virtues one requires in a washing powder!

Tandy - 1996

The original Tandy UK electronics chain launched in 1973, and at one time were a well known name on the British high street. This advert from Christmas 1996 is from their latter years as the UK stores were ultimately sold off to Carphone Warehouse three years later, who had quietly phased them out by 2001. Similar to Woolworths, these days the name still exists in the UK but as an online-only store with little connection to the original chain, after the brand was sold on in 2012.

Tango - 1997

A very short advert for Lemon Tango from 1997. Featuring that famous publication 'Biggies'!

Tango (Vote Orange) - 1997

Okay dont kill me... its an advert for Tango. Tango ads have earned the reputation over the years for being... well pointless! This was one of a series of ads shown around the time of the General Election, and designed to look like a political campaign. This one urges us to vote for Orange Tango. Courtesy of Iam Burn.

Tango (Clowns) - 1997

Later on in 1997, and we learn how Tango is helping bring Clowns back into society with the use of large orange trucks.... nice!

Tango - 1998

And then the equally pointless follow-up ad. Basically, 'the boss' tells the person responsible for the clowns ad that people 'didn't get it', and proceeds to teach him a lesson!

Tango - 2001

A rather funny advert for Tango from 2001. The moral of the story is, if you hear voices telling you to make a pass at your future father-in-law, always ignore them!!

Tango Apple - 2003

Up to 2003 with Tango ads now, and they're still as insane as ever. Thanks to Iam Burn.

Tango Apple - 2004

Another Tango ad... with a FAT PIGEON! Courtesy of Iam Burn.

Tango Soda - 2003

A typically strange ad for Tango's new...um... Strange Soda. Clip courtesy of Iam Burn.

Teletext Holidays - 1995

An advert from 1995 with a difference - You need the Page 888 subtitles on as part of the advert. Luckily at TV Whirl, you can get those subtitles too just by hitting that little text button on your remote (or below).

Tennents Lager - 1989

Actor Steven Hartley appears in this 90-second long advert for Tennents in 1989. The guy is probably best known for his recent appearance in The Bill as the suicidal rapist Superintendent Tom Chandler. Presumably that was not as a result of drinking the lager! Courtesy of Iam Burn.

Tetley Tea - 1990

The Tetley Teafolk promote their round teabags in 1990 with a cover of 'I Get Around' by The Beach Boys.

Tetley Tea - 1991

Although the round bags had now been on the market for 2 years, it was still considered a big selling point for Tetley in 1991. Here The Teafolk let everyone know how it'll improve those days when everything has turned a bit square.

Tetley Tea - 1997

A Tetley Tea advert from 1997. This was one of the last to feature the Tetley Tea Folk in their old guise, before they were abolished for a while. Only to be reintroduced again in 2010. Clip courtesy of Iam Burn.

Toblerone - 1997

Toblerone... made from Triangular Almonds from Triangular Trees, and Triangular Honey from Triangular Bees! That's a lot of Triangles. Clip thanks to Iam Burn.

Toys R Us - 1988

A reminder that the defunct Toys R Us did have adverts before the 1989 'Magical Place' one they became synonymous with for the rest of their life, with a live action one here from 1988. Also coming from a pre-internet era where it was still acceptable to suggest dolls and teddies were perfect for girls and action toys for boys, without being lynched by parents on social media.

Toys R Us - 1990

The original version of the Magical Place advert for Toys R Us first went to air in 1989, and was repeated throughout most of the 90s in edited forms, fast becoming a staple marker of Christmas advertising in the UK. The campaign even saw a full widescreen remake to mark 25 years of the chain in the UK in 2009 (as can be seen on the comeback ads page). This particular variant comes from the Granada region, with the stores listed closing for the final time between April 21st and April 24th 2018 as part of the overall closure of the chain following changing retail habits.

Transit - 2001

A nice advert for the Ford Transit in 2001, set to Slade's Coz I Luv You. This advert originally started out with the slogan 'Transit - The Backbone of Britain' hence the build up to showing a 'backbone' of lights across the country. However in later variants this was later changed to the far less imaginative 'Job Done' slogan for some reason.

TSB - 1984

TSB... The Bank that likes to say 'Yes'! This cheerful little ad from the 80s features this catchy little song for TSB, showing people earning loads of cash. Clip Courtesy of Iam Burn.

TSB - 1993

Another ad from 'The Bank that likes to say yes', this time featuring clips from films in order to promote their free cinema tickets offer. The TSB logo and brand was to disappear in the late 90s as part of a merger with Lloyds to form Lloyds TSB. They would later be demerged with a brand new TSB logo appearing in 2013. Clip Courtesy of Iam Burn.

Tunnocks - 2018

To welcome in New Year 2018, Tunnocks hired out an extended slot on network ITV, which they then used to air a series of adverts from their long history welcoming in the fresh year.

TV Times - 1983

Although it was more common for TV Times ads to be tailored to that week's edition, sometimes more generic ads for the magazine would air. Here lots of stock photos of TV personalities and sections that appear in the mag feature, with no voiceover talking about any specific feature.

TV Times - 1984

An ad for TV Times from 1984. These ads all but disappeared after TV Listings were fully opened up in the 90s. Up until then, only the Radio Times carried the BBC, whilst TV Times carried ITV/Channel 4. Clip thanks to Iam Burn.

TV Times - 1984

From those glorious days when TV Times and The Radio Times would carry listings for different broadcasters, another quick advert for the ITV version of the listings mag. With the late Cilla Black appearing on the cover this week.

Twix - 1997

The first of 2 Twix ads from the late 90s featuring sensible 'Norm'. In this one, the guy is thinking of buying a sporty red car. Thanks to Iam Burn again.

Twix V2 - 1997

In the second version, Norm turns up during clothes shopping. Also thanks to Iam for this.

Typhoo Tea - 1993

A brief ad for Typhoo One Cup, mixing colour and black and white footage. Clip Courtesy of Iam Burn.

Vauxhall Astra - 1991

You've just washed your shiny new Vauxhall Astra, when right on cue a pigeon parks itself right above your driveway. What is a man to do?

Vauxhall Tigra - 1995

The Tigra From Vauxhall... Fun.... if you like that sort of thing!!

Volkswagen Golf (Changes) - 1987

This famous campaign for Volkswagen launched in 1987 and starred Paula Hamilton styled up as a Diana-esque character. Leaving her husband after the breakup of a marriage, she is seen throwing away luxury items, before deciding to keep the VW car. At the time, the advert was hailed as a sign of a car advert finally targeting women complete with a strong female lead, contrasting with the traditional style of car advertising. The song used in the ad is 'Changes' written by Alan Price.

Vitalite - 1991

One of several animated Vitalite adverts run in the early 90s, set to the song of The Israelites by Desmond Dekker. In this one, the sun with his disembodied white gloved hands releases some poor caged sunflowers. At launch in 1983, the spread was originally produced by Kraft Foods, before the brand was sold on to St Ivel in the mid 90s, eventually ending up under the ownership of Dairy Crest.

Vitalite - 1993

Woaaaahhh-ohhh! Vitalite... That's right!! The sun is back in 1993... or for a short while at least. He's been getting grumpier in his old age, and with them introducing so many long words to the spread now too, he finally snaps and goes on strike leaving the moon to take over.

Wall Bangers - 1993

A animated cavemen family bang on the walls to advertise new Wall Bangers from er... Walls. Clip Courtesy of Iam Burn.

Warburtons - 1992

Warburtons from 1992 and have you ever seen such a lovely Blackpool Milk Roll?

Weetabix - 1986

Could you get much more 80s than this animated ad for Weetabix? Where a gang of Weetabix characters let you know just how cool you can be if you have a good breakfast!

Weetabix - 1987

A parody of Indiana Jones for this Weetabix ad from 1987, featuring those lovable Weetabix characters. Clip courtesy of Iam Burn.

Weetabix - 1990

A nice and humourous little advert for Weetabix from the end of 1990, based around the story of Troy.

WH Smiths - Christmas 1996

Nicholas Lyndhurst takes on a variety of roles as the family in WH Smiths' Christmas campaign for 1996. After all, what is a boy to do when he can't find any wrapping paper?

Wimpey Homes - 1983

A young Paul Daniels appears in this Wimpey Homes advert in the early 80s bringing a bit of magic to the process of buying a new house.

Wispa - 1993

A tongue twisting song for Cadbury's Wispa from 1993. This was in the days before Cadbury strangely decided to abolish the bars and established brand in favour of 'Cadbury Dairy Milk with Bubbles'. Clip Courtesy of Iam Burn.

Woodpecker - 1990

Part of the long-running campaign for Woodpecker Cider turning everyday scenarios on their head, accompanied by the tagline 'What a refreshing change'. In this one, a hedgehog goes for a leisurely stroll in the countryside...

Woolworths - 1990

Advertising songs for Christmas with a simple advert, it's the defunct UK high street chain Woolworths.

Woolworths - 1992

Remember Woolworths? They used to sell Pic n' Mix and CDs before they were one of the earlier UK victims of the 2008 recession. Relive their days as a full UK retailer, rather than just a brand sold and attached to a website.

Worthingtons - 1996

Harry Enfield stars in this 1996 Worthington's advert. Boldly proclaiming how 'she' has been breeding men for 30 years, before launching in to a parody of dog food adverts.

Worthingtons - 1997

Harry Enfield stars once again, this time as a female fashion designer in this 1997 Worthingtons ad, which lightheartedly pokes fun at the industry. Clip thanks to Iam Burn.

Worthingtons - 1998

Why is a man's head so full of boring old rubbish? er... its the question everyone asks!!

Worthingtons - 2001

Suggs (aka Graham McPherson) recites Rudyard Kipling in this 2001 ad for Worthingtons. Thanks again to Iam.

Yellow Pages (French Polishers) - 1989

The most famous advertising campaign for Yellow Pages, the big phone directory of businesses, aired during the 80s. They featured the book coming to the rescue when no-one else could. In this version, a young male needs some French Polishers to save his life after a crazy party at his parent's house. Originally owned by BT before being sold off as a separate company, the UK editions of the Yellow Pages itself were published from 1966 right through until the end of 2018, when the company finally decided to discontinue the ever-shrinking print copy in favour of going entirely online.

Yellow Pages - 1994

A selection of clips from all the past Yellow Pages ads was shown as part of this ad for New Year 1994. Thanks to Iam Burn for this ad.

Yellow Pages - Xmas 1997

Originally produced during the 'Good Old Yellow Pages' era in the early 90s, the famous Christmas version of the Yellow Pages advert well outlived any others from the campaign. Reappearing every Christmas without fail well into the 2000s, when only the internet largely killing off the big thick book resulted in the advert becoming increasingly irrelevant.