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A Look Back at the Most Iconic British TV Adverts of the 2000s
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The Philly Cheese Stack and Twix Latte: McDonald's New Menu Additions You Need to Try

Writer: Paul FrancisPaul Francis

McDonalds Cheese Stack and Mozzarella Dippers

Yesterday, McDonald’s introduced an exciting new range of menu items across the UK, including an entirely new drink and the return of some fan-favourite offerings. The latest addition to the menu is the never-before-seen Twix Latte, a coffee-based drink infused with Twix-flavored syrup, topped with caramel cream, and finished with a sprinkle of Twix crumbs. Priced at £2.69 for a medium and £3.29 for a large, this drink promises to satisfy both your caffeine and chocolate cravings.


Alongside the new latte, McDonald’s has brought back the popular Philly Cheese Stack burger and Mozzarella Dippers. The Philly Cheese Stack, a hit when it debuted last October, is packed with two beef patties, a rich cheese sauce, two slices of cheese, crispy and grilled onions, and pickles, all served in a toasted bun. It’s available for £5.29 on its own or £7.19 for a medium meal.


The Mozzarella Dippers, which are breadcrumb-coated mozzarella sticks served with a salsa dip, return in packs of three for £2.39 or a sharebox of nine for £6.49. Other returning favorites include the Chicken Big Mac, Galaxy Chocolate McFlurry, and Twix Caramel McFlurry, offering even more variety to the McDonald's experience.


Yesterday, we went to sample some of these new and returning items ourselves, opting for the Mozzarella Dippers and the Philly Cheese Stack. The Mozzarella Dippers are one of those items that can be hit or miss, depending on how fresh they are. When freshly made, as they were during our visit, they were warm, gooey, and satisfying. However, once they cool down, they lose their appeal, becoming cold chunks of cheese encased in breadcrumbs. If you're dining in, these can be a worthwhile choice, but if you're planning to take them away, you may be left disappointed.


My McDonalds order of Philly Cheese Stack and Mozzarella Dippers

The Philly Cheese Stack, on the other hand, is a standout. It first launched last October and immediately became one of my favourite burgers at McDonald’s. The combination of beef patties with both grilled and crispy onions gives it a unique "fairground" burger vibe, unlike anything else on the menu. The patties are distinct in size—not as thick as a Quarter Pounder, but not as slim as those in a Double Cheeseburger—and the creamy cheese sauce elevates this burger to near gourmet status. I personally would love to see this become a permanent fixture on the menu.


My McDonalds order of Philly Cheese Stack and Mozzarella Dippers

If you haven’t had the chance to try these new items yet, I recommend giving them a go. Whether you’re craving something sweet like the Twix Latte or looking to indulge in the rich, savoury flavours of the Philly Cheese Stack, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

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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