Cliff Richard is one of Britain’s most enduring and successful pop artists, with a career spanning over six decades and a legacy that has helped shape modern music history. Emerging in the late 1950s as one of the UK’s first true rock ’n’ roll stars, he quickly evolved into a versatile performer capable of delivering chart-topping hits across pop, rock, and contemporary genres. Known for his smooth vocals, polished stage presence, and remarkable longevity, Richard has amassed an extensive catalog of music, numerous awards, and a devoted global fanbase. Beyond his recording success, he has also made a lasting impact through film, television, and charitable work, solidifying his status as a cultural icon whose influence continues to resonate across generations.
The Young Ones is a groundbreaking British sitcom that aired from 1982 to 1984, blending anarchic comedy, surreal sketches, and social satire in a way that redefined television humor. Created by Rik Mayall, Lise Mayer, and Ben Elton, the show follows four chaotic university students—Vyvyan, Rick, Neil, and Mike—as they navigate absurd situations in their shared house. Known for its punk-inspired energy, irreverent style, and willingness to break the fourth wall, The Young Ones combined traditional sitcom elements with slapstick, musical performances, and cutting-edge satire. The series became a cultural touchstone, influencing generations of comedians and writers while cementing its place as one of the most innovative and enduring British comedies of the 1980s.
The 1986 Comic Relief single “Living Doll” brought together pop legend Cliff Richard and the anarchic cast of The Young Ones for a one-of-a-kind charity collaboration. This playful remake of Richard’s 1959 classic fused his smooth, timeless vocals with the chaotic humor and irreverent personalities of Rik Mayall, Adrian Edmondson, Nigel Planer, and Christopher Ryan.
The unlikely pairing created a memorable and entertaining clash of styles, turning a beloved song into a comedic spectacle while raising funds for a worthy cause. Its commercial success and cultural impact underscored how music and comedy could join forces, making “Living Doll” a standout moment in British pop culture history.
The song peaked at No. 01 in the UK Singles Chart on 23rd May 1985.
| A-Side | Living Doll (4:17) (Lionel Bart) Produced Stuart Colman |
| B-Side | (All The Little Flowers Are) Happy (6:28) (Elton, Mayall, Mayer, Edmondson, Planer, Ryan, Curtis, Colman, Tibble) Produced Stuart Colman |
| Genre | Rock, Pop |
| Release Date | March 1986 |
| Label | WEA |
| Catalogue Number | YZ 65 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 20th March 1986 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 01 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 09 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [9 Weeks] – 20th March 1986 – 17th May 1986 |
Officially Released Versions
Living Doll (Single Version) (4:17)
Living Doll (The Disco Funk Get Up Get Down To The Lavatory Mix) (6:32)
Versions On Spotify
If you have an active Spotify account you will be able to play the complete versions of the songs below. If you don’t have an account, you will only be able to hear a 30-second sample.
Lyrics
Look everyone, he’s coming through the doors
Brilliant, he didn’t even open ’em
He’s here
Great, great, do the speech
Hey kids, stop smoking and pay attention to me
Look you’re a wild-eyed loon
Who’s standing at the gates of oblivion
Hitch a ride with us
Because we’re on the last freedom moped
Out of nowhere city
Golly, I haven’t even told our parents
What time we’ll be back
So put on your dancing trousers and get down
Because here’s the total king of rock
Cliff Richard
Got myself a crying, talking
Sleeping, walking living doll
Got to do my best to keep her
Just ’cause she’s a living doll
Got a roving eye and that is why
She satisfies my soul
I got the one and only
Walking, talking living doll
OK guys, ready Vyv
I’m plainly ready when you are, Shaky
Neil – does anybody know where the toilets are
Mike – does all this money really have to go to charity
Yes, it does Michael
Rik Myall – hi, Cliff, it’s me
Who are you?
Great joke, your majesty
Got myself a crying, talking
Sleeping, walking living doll (living doll)
Got to do my best to keep her
Just ’cause she’s a living doll (living doll)
Got a roving eye and that is why
She satisfies my soul (fies my soul)
I got the one and only
Walking, talking living doll
Take a look her hair
Well it’s so real and if
You don’t believe what I say just feel
Gonna lock her up in a trunk
So no big hunk
Can steal her away from me (get down)
Got myself a crying, talking
Sleeping, walking living doll
Got to do my best to keep her
Just ’cause she’s a living doll
Got a roving eye and that is why
She satisfies my soul
I got the one and only
Walking, talking living doll
OK, Daddy-o
He means what happens now
The instrumental break
Take a look her hair
Well it’s so real and if
You don’t believe what I say just feel
Gonna lock her up in a trunk
So no big hunk
Can steal her away from me
Got myself a crying, talking
Sleeping, walking living doll
Got to do my best to keep her
Just ’cause she’s a living doll
Got a roving eye and that is why
She satisfies my soul
I got the one and only
Walking, talking living doll
I got the one and only
Walking, talking living doll
Can I go now?
Uh yes, thanks Cliff. Bye.
Right kids, if you don’t buy this record
Then you’re an utter, utter
Utter, utter, utter…
Written By Lionel Bart
