Top of the Pops: 1980
Season 17 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of Top of the Pops Season 16.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 17 Progress Shield
Episode 1
Jan 3, 1980 · 40 min
Peter Powell presents chart hits of the week. Guests include Billy Preston & Syreeta, Kurtis Blow, Madness, the Pretenders, Dr Hook, Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd and David Bowie. Als
Episode 2
Jan 10, 1980 · 35 min
David 'Kid' Jensen presents chart hits of the week, with performances by the Nolan Sisters, UFO, the Skids, Joe Jackson, Dollar, ABBA, Sheila B and Pink Floyd, and a dance sequence
Episode 3
Jan 17, 1980 · 45 min
Simon Bates presents chart hits of the week, with performances by Billy Preston & Syreeta, New Musik, Sad Cafe, Sister Sledge, Positive Force, Dexy's Midnight Runners and the Prete
Episode 4
Jan 24, 1980 · 40 min
Mike Read presents chart hits of the week, with performances by Buggles, the Nolans, Barbara Dickson, Matchbox, the Regents, the Pretenders, the Specials, Sheila B Devotion and the
Episode 5
Jan 31, 1980 · 40 min
David 'Kid' Jensen presents chart hits of the week, with performances from the Revillos, Kenny Rogers, Azymuth, John Foxx, Madness, Rupert Holmes, the Ramones, Jon & Vangelis, Bill
Episode 6
Feb 7, 1980 · 40 min
Steve Wright presents chart hits of the week, with performances from the Tourists, Cliff Richard, the Chords, the Regents, Queen, the Selecter, AC/DC, the Buggles and the Specials,
Episode 7
Feb 15, 1980 · 40 min
Simon Bates presents chart hits of the week, with performances from Matchbox, Keith Michell, the Flying Lizards, Elvis Costello, Michael Jackson, Dave Edmunds, Jon & Vangelis, Mart
Episode 8
Feb 22, 1980 · 35 min
Peter Powell presents hits of the week. Guests include Shakin' Stevens, Blondie, the Beat, the Buggles, the Tourists, Fern Kinney, Cliff Richard, the Ramones, Iron Maiden and Kenny
Episode 9
Feb 28, 1980 · 40 min
David 'Kid' Jensen presents pop hits of the week, with performances from Elvis Costello, Marti Webb, the Vapors, Liquid Gold, the Gibson Brothers, Stiff Little Fingers, Dave Edmund
Episode 11
Mar 13, 1980 · 40 min
Steve Wright presents pop hits of the week, with performances from the Dooleys, the Police, the Detroit Spinners, Secret Affair, the Vapors, Siouxsie & the Banshees, Gibson Brother
Episode 12
Mar 20, 1980 · 35 min
Mike Read presents pop hits of the week, with performances from the Bodysnatchers, Squeeze, Sad Cafe, the Lambrettas, Barbara Dickson, Shakin' Stevens, Martha and the Muffins, UB40
Episode 13
Mar 27, 1980 · 35 min
Peter Powell presents chart hits of the week, with performances from Liquid Gold, Genesis, Brothers Johnson, Dr Hook, Judas Priest, Siouxsie & the Banshees, John Foxx, the Detroit
Episode 14
Apr 3, 1980 · 35 min
David 'Kid' Jensen presents chart hits of the week, with performances from Madness, Barbara Dickson, Dexy's Midnight Runners, the Pretenders, BA Robertson, the Lambrettas, Prima Do
Episode 15
Apr 10, 1980 · 35 min
Simon Bates presents chart hits of the week, with performances from the Undertones, Sky, David Essex, Dr Hook, Saxon, Judas Priest, the Bodysnatchers, the Buggles and the Detroit S
Episode 17
Apr 24, 1980 · 40 min
Steve Wright presents chart hits of the week, with performances from Smokie, Paul McCartney, the Cure, Elvis Costello & the Attractions, Sky, Sad Cafe, Cockney Rejects, Bad Manners
Episode 18
May 1, 1980 · 43 min
Tommy Vance presents chart hits of the week, with performances from New Musik, Narada Michael Walden, the Chords, Whitesnake, Jimmy Ruffin, Saxon, the Beat, Kate Bush, Dexys Midnig
Episode 19
May 8, 1980 · 40 min
Peter Powell presents chart hits of the week, with performances from the Human League, Prelude, Michael Jackson, Matchbox, Jona Lewie, the Ruts, OMD and Dexys Midnight Runners, and
Episode 21
May 22, 1980 · 40 min
Mike Read presents chart hits of the week, with performances from the Lambrettas, UK Subs, Michael Jackson, Jona Lewie, Karel Fialka, the Specials, Matchbox and Johnny Logan, and a
Episode 22
May 29, 1980 · 40 min
David 'Kid' Jensen presents chart hits of the week. Guests include Liquid Gold, Hot Chocolate, Elton John, Don McLean, Thin Lizzy, Roxy Music, OMD, Jermaine Jackson, Stiff Little F
Episode 23
Jul 9, 1980 · 40 min
A look at Britain's best-selling discs, artists, and news from the Top 40. Including tracks from Odyssey, Thin Lizzy, Kate Bush, and Splodgenessabounds. Introduced by Peter Powell
Episode 24
Aug 7, 1980 · 40 min
Peter Powell and guest presenter Elton John present chart hits of the week, with performances from the Piranhas, Diana Ross, Hot Chocolate, Kelly Marie, the Gap Band, the Gibson Br
Episode 25
Aug 14, 1980 · 31 min
Tommy Vance presents the hits of the week from August 1980. Guests include Ultravox, David Bowie, ELO, Mike Berry, Grace Jones, Village People, Sue Wilkinson and ABBA, plus a dance
Episode 26
Aug 21, 1980 · 40 min
Steve Wright presents chart hits of the week from August 1980. Guests include ELO, Sheena Easton, Hazel O'Connor, Kelly Marie, Cliff Richard, the Jam, Billy Joel, David Bowie, plus
Episode 27
Aug 28, 1980 · 40 min
Peter Powell presents chart hits of the week. Guests include the Barracudas, Gary Numan, the Selecter, Mike Berry, the Skids, Elton John, Sue Wilkinson, Ian Dury & the Blockheads,
Episode 28
Sep 4, 1980 · 35 min
A look at Britain's best-selling discs, artists, and news from the Top 40. Including performances from Kelly Marie, Hazel O'connor, Cliff Richard, and The Beat. Introduced by Dave
Episode 29
Sep 11, 1980 · 35 min
A look at Britain's best-selling discs, artists, and news from the Top 40. Including performances from Black Sabbath, Elvis Presley, Judas Priest, and Split Enz. Introduced by Jimm
Episode 30
Sep 18, 1980 · 35 min
Simon Bates presents the weekly chart show with guests, including Olivia Newton-John. Featuring performances by Randy Crawford, XTC, Stevie Wonder, Nick Straker Band, Billy Joel, K
Episode 31
Sep 25, 1980 · 35 min
Mike Read presents hits of the week. Guests include Split Enz, Diana Ross, Ottawan, Shalamar, Linx and the Police. Also features special guests Russ Abbot and Leo Sayer, as well as
Episode 32
Oct 2, 1980 · 35 min
A look at Britain's best-selling discs, artists, and news from the Top 40. Including performances from Stevie Wonder, Thin Lizzy, Odyssey, and Black Slate. Introduced by Dave Lee T
Episode 33
Oct 9, 1980 · 35 min
Peter Powell introduces the pop chart programme, including performances from Status Quo, Diana Ross, OMD, Black Slate, the Nolans, Linx, Gilbert O'Sullivan, and the Police. Include
Episode 34
Oct 16, 1980 · 35 min
Tommy Vance introduces the pop chart programme, including performances from Showaddywaddy, Adam & the Ants, Matchbox, the Police, Madness and George Benson. Plus, a chart rundown a
Episode 35
Oct 23, 1980 · 35 min
A look at Britain's best-selling discs, artists, and news from the Top 40. Including performances from The Nolans, Kelly Marie, Kate Bush, and Ottawan. Introduced by Dave Lee Travi
Episode 36
Oct 30, 1980 · 35 min
Peter Powell introduces the pop chart programme, including performances from Adam and the Ants, Odyssey, Bad Manners, Sheena Easton, Showaddywaddy and Barbra Streisand.
Episode 37
Nov 6, 1980 · 35 min
A look at Britain's best-selling discs, artists, and news from the Top 40. Including performances from Status Quo, Stephanie Mills, Roxy Music, and MotÖrhead. Introduced by Jimmy S
Episode 38
Nov 13, 1980 · 35 min
Simon Bates presents the iconic pop show. Includes appearances from Iron Maiden, David Bowie, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Liquid Gold, Spandau Ballet, ABBA and Blondie. Plus a perfor
Episode 39
Nov 20, 1980 · 35 min
A look at Britain's best-selling discs, artists, and news from the Top 40. Including performances from The Boomtown Rats, Eddy Grant, Kool & The Gang, and Status Quo. Introduced by
Episode 40
Nov 27, 1980 · 35 min
Tommy Vance presents the pop show. Includes performances from Showaddywaddy, Robert Palmer, Stray Cats, UB40, ABBA, Madness and Spandau Ballet, plus a dance routine from Legs and C
Episode 41
Dec 4, 1980 · 30 min
Peter Powell presents the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 2 December 1993 and featuring St Winifred's School Choir, Eddy Grant, Neil Diamond, Jona Lewie, AC/DC, The Boomtow
Episode 42
Dec 11, 1980 · 40 min
Richard Skinner presents the pop show, with performances from Adam and the Ants, Madness, the Stray Cats, Status Quo, Queen, ABBA and the Police. Guests include Gary Numan, and the
Episode 43
Dec 18, 1980 · 35 min
Simon Bates presents the weekly pop show. Includes performances from the Beat, St Winifred's School Choir, the Specials, Gary Numan, Robert Palmer, the Nolans and Jona Lewie, and a