Buzzing with excitement over this, as it was a great time in my life, (all rose-tinted, you understand.)
Kicking off with 80's tv, everything was very brown and orange. Even dear old Delia was featured with her lovely crooked British teeth (not like the fake, white gnashers of today's presenters) showing us how to eat spaghetti with a fork and introducing us to a variety of never seen before, pasta.
The introduction of the microwave oven that revolutionised kitchens throughout the UK, meant that you could cook anything in a fraction of the time (or heat up ready meals.) Single parent families, people living alone and full time working mum's - Delia had a recipe for them all. Even old Maggie T cooked breakfast for her family before setting off to work every morning.
The Best of British was promoted and a patriotic campaign was launched to get people to invest in British made products, spearheaded by the sexy Austin Metro - grrrr!
But things started to look grim, the decline in British Industry was having a detrimental effect on communities. The closure of factories was devastating and recession kicked in. Unemployment reached record levels and our lives were reshaped. The answer?, Cue the 'Enterprise Zone', aimed at the service industry and consumerism, built on credit.
Enter the style bible magazine, 'The Face' that pushed advertising, glossy photography and ultimately, image. Popular and emerging New Romantic bands embraced this beautifully with their make-up, hair and fashion. Style, swagger and success took over from class and everyone had aspirational opportunities.
The Labour party was involved in a civil war and was tearing itself apart. A disastrous new leader was appointed and soon enough, a fractured party emerged, a challenge to the deputy leadershp followed and ... hold on!, this all sounds too familiar!
While some of Britain rejoiced at the Royal Wedding, tensions between police and the black community in Brixton escalated and riots ensued across the nation.
Channel 4 was launched; aggressive and shocking, reflecting the lives of young people in minority groups. Brookside was born. Shocking storylines covering debt, divorce, homosexuality, and drug abuse were beamed into our living rooms, like something never seen before, but so mainstream now.
The programme covered the first few years of the 80's and next week's episode will continue to remind us of the highs and lows of an iconic decade of change. Informative, enjoyable and interesting. Worth a watch.