A Look Back at the Most Iconic British TV Adverts of the 2000s
- Connor Banks
- Mar 13
- 4 min read
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.
