Take That made 'greatest comeback'

2:08pm Monday 2nd June 2008

Take That have been voted the greatest comeback of all time, with 45% of Britons polled believing their revival has been the most successful ever.

The survey of 1,600 people found top revivals included Pulp Fiction star John Travolta, who received nearly 20% of the vote, and Cadbury Wispa bars, which have been backed on social networking websites like Facebook and MySpace.

Other celebrated comebacks included Christopher Biggins, the Spice Girls, Mr T from The A-Team, perms, Dr Who and Led Zeppelin.

The research was conducted to mark Little Chef's 50th birthday.

The roadside restaurant chain will itself undergo a major revival, following the announcement that Michelin-starred chef Heston Blumenthal is to revamp the well-known brand as part of a Channel 4 documentary later this year.

The poll found that 79% of people believed that retro-chic is back in vogue and did not want the comebacks to stop. Revival wish-lists included children's show Swap Shop and comedy favourite Fawlty Towers.

Some respondents yearned for a return of mullets and shell suits as well as bands including the Beatles and the Smiths.

Cathy Stevenson, marketing director at Little Chef, said: "This research just goes to show that Britain loves a good comeback, whether it is a pop band, a clothing trend or a TV show."

The survey also revealed that the era most people would bring back is the 1980s. Reasons ranged from childhood and school memories, to the fashions and music.

Little Chef marked its 50th birthday last month and has embarked on a nationwide camper van tour to find out what people would keep at Little Chef ahead of its relaunch.

Latest news, sport and entertainment