About the song
Living Doll by Cliff Richard & The Young Ones is a humorous and nostalgic rendition of a classic hit that originally became famous in 1959. The original song, written by Lionel Bart, was a massive success for Cliff Richard, reaching number 1 on the UK Singles Chart and selling over a million copies. However, in 1986, Cliff Richard teamed up with the British comedy group The Young Ones to create a new, comedic version of the song in support of the Comic Relief charity. This collaboration brought a fresh, lighthearted twist to the track, introducing it to a whole new audience while keeping the charm of the original.
The re-recording of Living Doll retained much of the song’s catchy melody but added playful banter and witty dialogue, reflecting the anarchic humor that made The Young Ones a popular television show in the UK. Cliff Richard’s smooth vocals blended seamlessly with the comedic antics of Rik Mayall, Adrian Edmondson, Nigel Planer, and Christopher Ryan, creating a performance that was both entertaining and memorable.
This version of Living Doll was featured as a charity single for Comic Relief and quickly topped the UK Singles Chart once again, marking Cliff Richard’s career longevity and wide-ranging appeal. The song spent three weeks at number 1 in 1986, making it a rare example of a song that reached the top of the charts twice—once as a romantic pop ballad and again as a comedic hit. Its success helped raise significant funds for Comic Relief, solidifying its legacy as a feel-good anthem with a charitable purpose.
While the original Living Doll showcased Cliff Richard’s early rock ‘n’ roll appeal, the 1986 version with The Young Ones captured the spirit of British comedy in the 1980s, creating a bridge between generations of fans. The playful dynamic between the serious singer and the irreverent comedians made this rendition a unique cultural moment, proving that music and comedy can come together in powerful and unexpected ways.
For fans of Cliff Richard, The Young Ones, or those who enjoy classic British humor, Living Doll remains a delightful and entertaining piece of musical history. Its upbeat tempo, combined with the fun and humor of the collaboration, ensures that listeners will come back to it time and time again.