Credits: Social Media
11 iconic British pop culture moments and memes that every American should know
With the cultural differences between the US and the UK crystal clear, The Focus is here to give you a lesson in iconic British pop culture moments, memes, and viral stories.
Whether you like it or not, success in the modern age is often gauged through how many likes, shares, and reposts it has. Recent examples might include the woman who picked a stranger to be her husband, or the hyena puppy that was playing with a dog.
Gemma Collins in Big Brother
She might have made her start on the reality TV show The Only Way Is Essex, but Gemma Collins is known in the UK as one of the most memeable celebrities.
During her appearance on season 17 of Celebrity Big Brother, where she complained about it being a full-time job, Gemma featured in countless viral moments though arguably none as big as “I’m claustrophobic Darren.”
On YouTube, the clip has accumulated nearly 500k views, while on TikTok it has over 600k watches.
Barry Humphries congratulates straight man on coming out
Barry Humphries is a beloved British comedian who really put his foot in it in 2023 as he congratulated This Morning presenter Dermot O’Leary for coming out of the closet. Unfortunately, it wasn’t actually Dermot but his co-worker Phillip Schofield.
Dermot laughed the awkward encounter off, with his colleague Alison Hammond reduced to tears as Barry continued to repeat how “brave” Dermot was.
She’s an African Grey, her name’s Chanel
Brits aren’t just known for their weird pronunciation of ketchup, but also for countless social media memes that spread across the world like wildfire.
During the UK’s first Covid-19 lockdown, a devastated Sandra Hannah took to TikTok after her parrot had flown away. The subsequent ordeal was memed across the internet, with musical remixes being created in her honor.
My parrot has just flew away out my garden. CHANEL! Her name is Chanel, shes gone towards the canal, please everyone please. CHANEL! My parrot is gone. Shes an African grey, her names Chanel,” she said at the time.
Nadine Coyle just speaking
Nadine Coyle is a member of Girls Aloud, a British girl group that dominated the charts in the early 2000s. Nadine, who was born and bred in Derry, Northern Ireland, has perhaps the thickest Irish accent you’ve ever heard. Naturally, it’s sparked a few viral moments over the years.
Undoubtedly the most famous came during the early years of Nadine’s career when she tried to compete on a talent show. Despite needing to be 18, Nadine lied on her application and caught herself out during a video interview.
Though you can see the moment Nadine realizes she’s tripped herself up, Americans might have trouble deciphering what she said in the first place.
Alison Hammond pushed a man in the river
Alison Hammond is maybe the most popular TV presenter in the UK, so much so that she has interviewed everyone from Ryan Gosling to Hugh Jackman.
Her most viral moment came in 2018 when Alison was asked to do This Morning’s weather announcement on an enormous floating map. The map came complete with hunky shirtless sailors, which Alison proceeded to push into the water after she tripped.
Gail Platt is a living meme
Soap operas are a staple part of British pop culture, with Coronation Street being one of the most popular alongside Eastenders.
Helen Worth’s portrayal of Gail Platt has been a familiar presence since 1974, sparking countless viral moments that Brits continue to quote to this day.
From dancing around to the latest Top 40 hits to accidentally shooting a TV presenter with a bow and arrow, Gail’s presence will be sorely missed when she leaves the soap later this year.
Zara McDermott’s viral breakup
Though they are both considerably more famous now, Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott made their start on Made in Chelsea, a reality TV show following the swanky lives of Chelsea locals.
Their relationship eroded after Zara cheated on Sam, though she literally begged him to take her back In a moment that has since been used across the internet.
The most famous part of the speech came when Zara screamed “You can, you can” in a tone that was heard across the world. Ironically, Sam and Zara are going strong and flourishing in 2024.
What a sad little life Jane
In 2016, the cooking competition show Come Dine with Me hit the headlines once again as sore loser contestant Peter Marsh berated the winner.
The room was eerily silent as Peter stood over them and said: “Dear Lord, what a sad little life, Jane. You ruined my night, completely, so you could have the money, but I hope now you spend it on getting some lessons in grace and decorum because you have all the grace of a reversing dump truck without any tyres on.
He then proceeded to kick the rest of the cast off his property; an icon through and through.
Don’t put ham in pasta if you’re around Gino DAcampo
Chef Gino DAcampo is another British celebrity who has as many memes as he does actual working projects. Though all deserve their place in the spotlight, the most notable was caused over a spaghetti carbonara.
The Italian chef had made an authentic dish but did not take kindly to presenter Holly Willoughby suggesting it would be nice with some ham.
“If My Grandmother Had Wheels She Would Have Been a Bike,” Gino replied, with Holly choking on her food as she attempted to stifle a laugh.
Her cats are on medication for anxiety and depression
We all know that Americans love some Judge Judy, and the UK actually has its own version in the form of the sassy Judge Rinder.
Sandra Harrison was brought before the judge after her friend accused Sandra’s dog of attempting to have relations with her cat. Unfortunately, Sandra struggled to take it seriously as she laughed and chuckled at her friend’s heartbreaking story. When she was asked for an apology, laughter again got in the way.
The straw that broke the camel’s back came when the cat’s owner said he was on medication for anxiety and depression. Again, Sandra barely controlled her laughter.
