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A Look Back at the Most Iconic British TV Adverts of the 2000s
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Celebrities’ Dirty Little Secret: How Hollywood’s Elite Are Embracing Bad Hygiene to Stay ‘Above’ the Rest of Us

Writer: Connor BanksConnor Banks

In an era where the rich and famous have the means to indulge in every luxury imaginable, you’d expect impeccable grooming to be a given. But in a strange twist, it seems that some of Hollywood's elite are proudly flaunting their disdain for basic hygiene as if it's the latest trend. Is this a misguided attempt to prove they're "better" than the rest of us? Or have the rich become so out of touch with reality that they're now using bad hygiene as a badge of honour?


An AI image of a dirty celebrity on the Red Carpet

Take, for example, the revelations from actors like Jake Gyllenhaal and Ashton Kutcher, who have openly confessed that they don’t see the need to shower regularly. Gyllenhaal, the brooding star of countless blockbusters, even declared that bathing is "less necessary," suggesting that perhaps we should all follow his lead in abandoning soap and water. His statements, coupled with Kutcher and Mila Kunis's assertion that they only bathe their children when "you can see the dirt on them," have left the public scratching their heads—and holding their noses.


But the list doesn't stop there. Megan Fox, casually admits to forgetting to flush the toilet. Yes, you read that right—Fox, who could easily afford a team of butlers, prefers to let her waste linger. And then there's Leonardo DiCaprio, who, in a supposed effort to save the planet, showers only a couple of times a week. His decision to ditch deodorant entirely is yet another example of how these stars seem to believe their body odour is somehow more eco-friendly than the rest of us mere mortals.


What’s behind this trend of intentional grubbiness? Some celebrities claim it’s an environmental statement—an effort to reduce water usage or avoid harmful chemicals. Gwyneth Paltrow, ever the wellness guru, has long warned of the supposed dangers of deodorant, choosing to go au naturel despite the clear consequences for those around her. But let’s be real—while the rest of society is concerned with staying fresh and clean, these stars appear to be flaunting their ability to ignore basic social norms, as if to say, "We’re above such mundane concerns."


This isn’t just a case of celebrities being quirky; it’s a worrying sign of how out of touch they’ve become. In a world where most people are concerned with their next paycheck, housing, or healthcare, the rich and famous are making headlines for their choice to avoid a shower. It’s almost as if they’re daring us to criticise them, knowing full well that their fame and fortune place them beyond reproach.


A cartoon of a Dirty Celebrity on the Red Carpet, AI illustration

Even more concerning is the way this behaviour is being normalised. With stars like Cameron Diaz admitting to wearing the same clothes for days and not using deodorant, and stars like Zac Efron opting for baby wipes instead of actual showers, the message is clear: hygiene is for the masses, not for the elite. What’s next? Are we to expect red carpets where the stars reek of sweat, all in the name of "staying natural"?


It’s time to call this trend what it is: a disturbing sign that Hollywood’s elite are becoming more disconnected from the real world. While the rest of us live in a reality where cleanliness is a basic expectation, these stars are trying to convince us that their lack of hygiene is somehow enlightened or superior. But at the end of the day, it’s nothing more than a dirty little secret that they’re trying to sell as sophistication.


Is this really the future of Hollywood? If so, it might be time for the rest of us to take a step back and ask: who’s really setting the trends here, and why are we following them? After all, there’s nothing glamorous about being smelly—no matter how many millions you have in the bank.

A Look Back at the Most Iconic British TV Adverts of the 2000s

A Look Back at the Most Iconic British TV Adverts of the 2000s

13 March 2025

Connor Banks

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The 2000s, a time when TV adverts weren’t just interruptions but mini masterpieces that we actually enjoyed watching. Some made us laugh, some amazed us with their sheer creativity, and others embedded themselves so deeply into British culture that they’re still quoted today.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane and relive some of the most iconic British TV adverts from the 2000s, the ones that weren’t just commercials, but cultural moments.


1. Cadbury’s "Gorilla" (2007)

Who knew that an advert about a drumming gorilla would go down in history? In 2007, Cadbury released a commercial featuring a hyper-realistic gorilla, emotionally preparing himself before launching into Phil Collins’ legendary drum solo from In the Air Tonight.

Why it’s iconic:

Completely unexpected—it had nothing to do with chocolate but everything to do with pure joy.

Perfect soundtrack choice—the slow build-up and release mirrored the satisfaction of indulging in a Dairy Milk bar.

Instant viral success—this was one of the first UK adverts to truly explode online, becoming a cultural phenomenon.

Legacy:

The Gorilla advert proved that advertising didn’t have to be about product-pushing—it could be pure entertainment. It revived Cadbury’s brand and sparked a new wave of creative, surrealist advertising.


2. John Smith’s "No Nonsense" (2000s)

Few adverts in the 2000s captured British humour better than John Smith’s No Nonsense campaign, starring Peter Kay. These adverts were simple, blunt, and brilliantly funny, reinforcing the idea that John Smith’s was a beer for proper blokes, not for fancy nonsense.

Why it’s iconic:

Peter Kay’s everyman comedy—his deadpan humour made these ads stand out.

Catchphrases like "Ave It!" became legendary in football culture.

Relatable British humour—whether it was belly-flopping at a diving competition or smashing a school sports day race, these ads reflected everyday life with a twist.

Legacy:

The No Nonsense campaign made Peter Kay a national treasure and helped cement John Smith’s as the beer of choice for the no-fuss, down-to-earth drinker. Even today, people still shout "Ave It!" on the football pitch.


3. Compare the Meerkat (2009)

"Simples!" If you didn’t say that at least once in the late 2000s, were you even watching TV? What started as a simple insurance comparison site advert became a cultural phenomenon, thanks to a posh, Russian-accented meerkat named Aleksandr Orlov.

Why it’s iconic:

Aleksandr Orlov was an instant star—his snooty but lovable personality made him a household name.

Brilliantly absurd premise—people were mistaking CompareTheMarket.com for CompareTheMeerkat.com, so Aleksandr had to set the record straight.

"Simples!" became a national catchphrase, used by everyone from schoolkids to office workers.

Legacy:

Aleksandr became more famous than the actual company, leading to merchandise, books, spin-offs, and a continued advertising run into the 2020s. The success of the campaign skyrocketed CompareTheMarket.com’s business, proving how powerful a well-executed character can be.


4. Guinness "Surfer" (1999, but huge in the 2000s)

Even though it debuted in 1999, the Guinness Surfer ad remained one of the most talked-about and re-aired commercials throughout the 2000s. A black-and-white cinematic masterpiece, it followed a group of surfers waiting for the perfect wave—only for the waves to turn into giant, galloping white horses.

Why it’s iconic:

Stunning visuals—the white horses bursting through the waves looked mythical and otherworldly.

Powerful narration—with the unforgettable opening line:


"He waits. That’s what he does."


Perfect brand message—just like a slow-poured pint of Guinness, good things come to those who wait.

Legacy:

This advert defined Guinness advertising for years to come. It won numerous awards and is still voted one of the greatest ads of all time.


5. Tango - "You’ve Been Tango’d" (2000s)

Loud, chaotic, and slightly violent—Tango adverts in the 2000s were as bold as the drink itself. The most infamous one? The "Tango Slap", where an orange-painted man ran up to an unsuspecting drinker and slapped them across the face.

Why it’s iconic:

Outrageously funny—it was so ridiculous that people actually copied it.

So controversial it got banned—after kids started recreating the slap in schools, the ad had to be toned down.

Tango’s branding became instantly recognisable—the phrase "You’ve been Tango’d" became part of British pop culture.

Legacy:

While the original slap ad was banned, the "No Nonsense" spirit of Tango continued with new variations, including sumo wrestlers and explosive reactions.


6. Walkers Crisps – Gary Lineker (2000s)

For nearly three decades, Gary Lineker has been the face of Walkers Crisps, and in the 2000s, the adverts perfected the formula—Lineker trying to steal crisps and getting his comeuppance.

Why it’s iconic:

A consistent and lovable campaign—people expected Lineker to appear in every new Walkers ad.

Brilliantly simple humour—whether he was getting outsmarted by kids or fighting over a packet, the ads always entertained.

Memorable catchphrases—especially "No More Mr. Nice Guy."

Legacy:

The Walkers & Lineker partnership is one of the longest-running brand collaborations ever, helping Walkers remain the UK’s top crisp brand.



The 2000s were a golden era for British TV adverts. These weren’t just ads—they were pop culture moments that stuck with us, made us laugh, and sometimes even inspired us. Whether it was a drumming gorilla, a mischievous Lineker, or a Russian meerkat, these ads weren’t just selling products—they were shaping our collective nostalgia.

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