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The acapella band formed by Welsh singer and actor Brian Hibbard had a huge Christmas Number with Only You.
Last updated: 28 October 2009
The Flying Pickets were formed in 1981 by Welsh actor Brian Hibbard, and were named after the practice of travelling specially to join picket lines. The members of the band were taken from co-stars in the 7:84 theatre group who had utilised acapella styles in their play One Big Blow.
Only You, their debut single, was released in November 1983, reaching the top of the charts in time for Christmas and remaining at Number One for five weeks. Ironically for a socialist band Only You was reported to be Margaret Thatcher's favourite song.
They followed up Only You with When You're Young And In Love, which reached number seven, and a cover of The Eurythmics' Who's That Girl, which reached a lowly number 71.
Founder member Hibbard let the group in 1986. Since then, he has enjoyed much success in soaps such as Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Pobl Y Cwm. He also starred in the hit 1999 film Twin Town alongside Rhys Ifans.
