A brand-new countdown of the Top 40 duets of the 1980s is available now on BBC Sounds, with Fairytale Of New York by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl voted number one by Radio 2 listeners.
Hosted by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, the full Top 40 is part of Radio 2 Loves the 80s, a month-long celebration of the decade.
Listeners were invited to vote for up to five of their favourite 80s duets between 7 and 21 July. The results are now available to stream, and the Top 30 will also be broadcast on BBC Radio 2 on Saturday 9 August from 1-3pm.
Under Pressure by Queen and David Bowie (1981) was in second place, followed by Islands In The Stream by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers (1983) in third.
Jem Finer, who co-wrote Fairytale Of New York with Shane MacGowan, thanked voters, saying: “It’s amazing the song’s had such a life. It took about three years of revisions before we got the version with Kirsty, and somehow it found its way into people’s hearts. Thank you to everyone who voted.”
You can heat the programme on BBC Sounds now.
Other highlights in the Radio 2 Loves the 80s season on BBC Sounds include Don’t You Forget About Me: The Accidental 80s Anthem, presented by Jo Whiley; and Ultimate 80s: Live!, a high-energy orchestral concert hosted by Gary Davies, airing Sunday 9 August from 8-10pm.
BBC Sounds also features new editions of Dance Sounds of the 80s with Gary Davies, and special programmes such as The Story of the 12” Single, Sounds of 1985 – 40 Years On, and Live Aid: The Fans’ Story.
