The King's Kick: Eric Cantona's Kung Fu Kick That Shocked Football

In this episode, we explore the explosive night of January 25, 1995, when Manchester United's enigmatic French star Eric Cantona delivered one of football's most shocking moments - a kung fu kick aimed at Crystal Palace supporter Matthew Simmons after being sent off at Selhurst Park. What began as a scrappy match with Palace players targeting Cantona with heavy challenges culminated in an incident that transcended sport, becoming a cultural flashpoint that still resonates nearly three decades later. Following his red card for retaliating against Richard Shaw, Cantona's decision to launch himself into the stands created instant hysteria in British media, with headlines declaring it "the night football died of shame." While moral outrage dominated the mainstream narrative, with extensive coverage across newspapers and television, reactions were notably divided. Many fellow players privately sympathized with Cantona, United fans stood firmly behind him, and even some journalists suggested Simmons' reported xenophobic abuse made the Frenchman's reaction understandable in context. The aftermath saw Cantona facing dual punishment - an FA ban until October 1, 1995, far harsher than comparable incidents that season, and a brief prison sentence that was quickly overturned on appeal. It was during this appeal that Cantona delivered his cryptic "when seagulls follow the trawler" press statement, adding another layer of mystique to his already larger-than-life persona. Behind the scenes, Sir Alex Ferguson, initially contemplating Cantona's departure, ultimately made a pivotal trip to Paris to convince his star to remain at Old Trafford. Ferguson's successful intervention preserved what would become one of football's most powerful redemption stories. Cantona's return to action in October 1995 sparked United's revival, culminating in the 1995-96 Double - an achievement that might never have happened had the Frenchman departed. Beyond the trophies, the incident cemented an unbreakable bond between Cantona and United supporters, who appreciated his willingness to defy convention and stand up against perceived injustice. Three decades later, the Selhurst Park incident remains the defining image of Cantona's career, despite his 82 goals and pivotal role in Manchester United's dominance of the early Premier League era. While many would cite league titles or spectacular goals as their proudest moments, Cantona himself views the kick differently, once remarking it was his "best moment" in football. This paradox encapsulates what made Cantona unique - his unflinching authenticity, philosophical outlook, and what Ferguson called his "defiant charisma" created a legacy that transcends mere statistics or silverware. Talk2TheHand is an independent throwback podcast run by husband and wife, Jimmy and Beth. Obsessed with 90s nostalgia and 90s celebrities, we'll rewind the years and take you back to the greatest era of our lives.   New episodes bursting with nostalgia of the 90s released on Tuesdays. Please subscribe to our podcast and we'll keep you gooey in 1990s love. Find us on Twitter @talk2thehandpod or email us at [email protected] or [email protected]

In this episode, we delve into the complex life of Anna Nicole Smith, born Vickie Lynn Hogan in 1967 in small-town Texas. From her humble beginnings as a high school dropout and single mother working at Jim's Krispy Fried Chicken, to her meteoric rise as a Playboy Playmate and Guess jeans model, Smith's early career exemplified the classic American dream of reinvention and success against all odds. By the mid-1990s, Smith had become a household name, but her personal life drew even more attention when she married 89-year-old oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall II in 1994. The 63-year age gap between them sparked widespread speculation about Smith's intentions, leading to a bitter inheritance battle following Marshall's death that would eventually reach the Supreme Court. We explore how this legal saga became emblematic of the public's fascination with and judgment of Smith throughout her career. Despite the controversy surrounding her marriage, Smith continued to build her brand, starring in her own reality show "The Anna Nicole Show" and maintaining her status as a pop culture icon. However, behind the scenes, Smith struggled with prescription drug dependency, weight fluctuations, and the harsh spotlight of tabloid scrutiny. We examine how these pressures affected her mental health and public persona during these tumultuous years. February 2007 marked both a moment of joy and devastating loss in Smith's life. Just months after giving birth to her daughter Dannielynn, she experienced the heartbreaking death of her 20-year-old son Daniel. Before she could fully process this tragedy, Smith herself died of an accidental drug overdose at age 39, setting off another round of legal battles over paternity rights and inheritance. This episode explores the sad irony that in death, as in life, Smith remained a subject of legal disputes and media speculation. Anna Nicole Smith's legacy remains complicated—part cautionary tale, part celebration of a woman who defied expectations and created herself anew. Through interviews with those who knew her and cultural critics who've studied her impact, we attempt to look beyond the caricature to understand the real woman behind the headlines and her enduring influence on conversations about celebrity, wealth, and the price of fame in America. Talk2TheHand is an independent throwback podcast run by husband and wife, Jimmy and Beth. Obsessed with 90s nostalgia and 90s celebrities, we'll rewind the years and take you back to the greatest era of our lives.   New episodes bursting with nostalgia of the 90s released on Tuesdays. Please subscribe to our podcast and we'll keep you gooey in 1990s love. Find us on Twitter @talk2thehandpod or email us at [email protected] or [email protected]

In this episode, we’re shining the spotlight on Henry Kelly, the Irish broadcaster best known for hosting the legendary quiz show Going for Gold. From his early career in journalism to becoming a household name on British television, we’ll explore how Kelly’s charm, wit, and distinctive presenting style helped make Going for Gold a daytime TV classic. While he had a successful career in radio and television beyond the show, it’s his role as quizmaster that cemented his place in 80s and 90s pop culture. We’ll take a deep dive into Going for Gold—how it was created as part of a European Broadcasting Union initiative, its unique format featuring contestants from across the continent, and why Kelly himself initially thought the idea was “nonsense.” Against all expectations, the show became a massive hit, particularly with students, and even led to Kelly being made honorary president of a student union. From its instantly recognisable theme tune (composed by none other than Hans Zimmer!) to the intense final round where contestants had to answer “four in a row,” Going for Gold stood out from other quiz shows of its time. We’ll talk about Henry Kelly’s iconic catchphrases, the occasional language barrier mishaps, and the time a Swedish contestant answered “the farmer” instead of “pawn” in a chess question—only to be proven technically correct! With its gold-and-blue futuristic set and its pan-European lineup, Going for Gold was unlike anything else on TV, and Kelly’s enthusiastic hosting style was key to its success. Beyond Going for Gold, we’ll touch on Kelly’s broader career, including his early work as a journalist at The Irish Times, his time on Game for a Laugh, and his later years in radio, where he continued to entertain audiences with his signature charm. While Going for Gold ended in 1996 (with a brief revival in 2008), Kelly remains fondly remembered as one of British TV’s great quizmasters. 💬 Join the Conversation! Were you a Going for Gold fan? Did you ever dream of competing on it? Share your memories with us on X/Twitter @talk2thehandpod! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and tune in for more deep dives into classic 90s TV. 🎧🏆✨ Talk2TheHand is an independent throwback podcast run by husband and wife, Jimmy and Beth. Obsessed with 90s nostalgia and 90s celebrities, we'll rewind the years and take you back to the greatest era of our lives.   New episodes bursting with nostalgia of the 90s released on Tuesdays. Please subscribe to our podcast and we'll keep you gooey in 1990s love. Find us on Twitter @talk2thehandpod or email us at [email protected] or [email protected]

In this episode, we’re diving headfirst into the foam-filled, go-kart-racing chaos of Fun House, the legendary kids’ game show that defined after-school TV in the late 80s and 90s. Hosted by the energetic Pat Sharp, alongside cheerleading twins Melanie and Martina, Fun House was the ultimate dream for kids who loved action-packed challenges, wild obstacle courses, and, of course, gallons of gunge! We’ll take a look at how the show was created, what made it so special, and why it remains such an iconic part of British TV history. We’ll break down the format of the show, from the fast-paced messy games to the epic final Fun House challenge, where contestants scrambled through a giant soft play assault course in search of prizes. The go-kart race, a Fun House staple, added an extra level of excitement and ensured every episode ended with a high-speed showdown. With its bright colors, catchy theme tune, and larger-than-life energy, the show became a must-watch for kids across the UK. Finally, we’ll look at Fun House’s lasting legacy. From calls to bring it back to special one-off revivals, the show’s popularity hasn’t faded. Could we ever see a full-scale return of Fun House? And if so, would it work in today’s TV landscape? We’ll share our thoughts and, as always, we want to hear from you—did you dream of competing on Fun House? Or will you make Beths dream come true and tell us that you were a contestant? Let us know! Talk2TheHand is an independent throwback podcast run by husband and wife, Jimmy and Beth. Obsessed with 90s nostalgia and 90s celebrities, we'll rewind the years and take you back to the greatest era of our lives.   New episodes bursting with nostalgia of the 90s released on Tuesdays. Please subscribe to our podcast and we'll keep you gooey in 1990s love. Find us on Twitter @talk2thehandpod or email us at [email protected] or [email protected]

This week, we’re turning up the nostalgia with a deep dive into Eternal, the powerhouse girl group that brought smooth R&B vocals and unforgettable hits to the 90s. From their breakout album Always & Forever to their chart-topping success, we’re exploring how they became one of the UK’s most iconic girl groups. We’ll take a look at their rise to fame, the comparisons to American R&B groups, and how their soulful harmonies set them apart. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing—lineup changes, industry challenges, and behind-the-scenes tensions shaped their journey in ways fans may not have realised. Who gets sacked by fax? Expect plenty of music nostalgia as we revisit their biggest hits like Stay, Just a Step from Heaven, and I Wanna Be the Only One. How did they influence the UK R&B scene? And why do they deserve more credit in pop history? Where are they now?  Join us as we celebrate the legacy of Eternal, their impact on 90s music, and why their songs still hold up today. Whether you were a die-hard fan or are just discovering their music, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! Talk2TheHand is an independent throwback podcast run by husband and wife, Jimmy and Beth. Obsessed with 90s nostalgia and 90s celebrities, we'll rewind the years and take you back to the greatest era of our lives.   New episodes bursting with nostalgia of the 90s released on Tuesdays. Please subscribe to our podcast and we'll keep you gooey in 1990s love. Find us on Twitter @talk2thehandpod or email us at [email protected] or [email protected]

Step into the stylish world of The House of Eliott! To Beths immense joy, we’re diving into the beloved 90s BBC drama that brought 1920s fashion, ambition, and drama to our screens. Created by Upstairs, Downstairs duo Jean Marsh and Eileen Atkins, the series followed sisters Beatrice and Evangeline Eliott as they built a pioneering fashion house in a world still dominated by men. We’ll explore what made The House of Eliott such a standout show—from its lavish period costumes and intricate storytelling to the feminist themes woven throughout. The series perfectly captured the excitement and challenges of the Roaring Twenties, blending high society glamour with the grit of two women fighting for independence in the fashion industry. Despite its devoted fan base, why did it end after just three seasons? Join us as we revisit this unforgettable drama, relive the fashion moments that defined it, find out what the cast went on to, and celebrate the legacy of The House of Eliott. This episode is one you won’t want to miss! Talk2TheHand is an independent throwback podcast run by husband and wife, Jimmy and Beth. Obsessed with 90s nostalgia and 90s celebrities, we'll rewind the years and take you back to the greatest era of our lives.   New episodes bursting with nostalgia of the 90s released on Tuesdays. Please subscribe to our podcast and we'll keep you gooey in 1990s love. Find us on Twitter @talk2thehandpod or email us at [email protected] or [email protected]

In this episode, we dive into the career of Vanessa Feltz, one of British television’s most recognizable personalities. From her early days as a pioneering female voice in talk radio to her rise as a daytime TV staple, Vanessa has built a reputation for sharp wit, no-nonsense interviews, and an unmistakable on-screen presence. But alongside the success came controversy—most notably, the infamous Vanessa talk show scandal of the late '90s, where it was revealed that guests had been faked to create dramatic moments. How did this revelation impact her career? Was she aware, or was she also a victim of behind-the-scenes manipulation? We explore the fallout, how she managed to bounce back, and the lasting impact on British tabloid culture. Join us as we unpack Vanessa Feltz’s journey, her resilience in the face of public scrutiny, and her place in the ever-changing world of British television. Talk2TheHand is an independent throwback podcast run by husband and wife, Jimmy and Beth. Obsessed with 90s nostalgia and 90s celebrities, we'll rewind the years and take you back to the greatest era of our lives.   New episodes bursting with nostalgia of the 90s released on Tuesdays. Please subscribe to our podcast and we'll keep you gooey in 1990s love. Find us on Twitter @talk2thehandpod or email us at [email protected] or [email protected]

In this episode, we step into the world of Riverdance, the groundbreaking stage show that took the world by storm. From its electrifying debut at the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest to its evolution into a global phenomenon, we explore how this fusion of Irish dance, music, and storytelling captivated audiences and redefined traditional performance. We’ll dive into the show's origins, the impact of Michael Flatley and Jean Butler, the drama behind the scenes, and how Riverdance became more than just a performance—it became a cultural movement. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just curious about the hype, this episode has all the rhythm, history, and high-energy footwork you need! Talk2TheHand is an independent throwback podcast run by husband and wife, Jimmy and Beth. Obsessed with 90s nostalgia and 90s celebrities, we'll rewind the years and take you back to the greatest era of our lives.   New episodes bursting with nostalgia of the 90s released on Tuesdays. Please subscribe to our podcast and we'll keep you gooey in 1990s love. Find us on Twitter @talk2thehandpod or email us at [email protected] or [email protected]

In this episode of Talk2TheHand, we dive into the wild and eccentric life of Screaming Lord Sutch, the rock 'n' roll pioneer who became one of Britain’s most notorious political pranksters. From his early days fronting the horror-infused rock band The Savages to his countless bids for public office as the leader of the Monster Raving Loony Party, Sutch carved out a career that was equal parts music, mischief, and madness. But behind the flamboyant costumes and outlandish policies was a man with a deep love for shaking up the establishment. We’ll explore his influence on the British music scene, where he rubbed shoulders with legends like Jimmy Page, Ritchie Blackmore, and Keith Moon. Despite never landing a chart-topping hit, Sutch’s theatrical stage presence and macabre-themed songs left an undeniable mark on rock history. His early performances, featuring coffins, skulls, and bloodcurdling screams, predated the shock-rock antics of Alice Cooper and Ozzy Osbourne by years, making him one of the genre’s true pioneers. Of course, no discussion of Lord Sutch would be complete without delving into his political escapades. With policies ranging from mandatory pogo sticks for public transport to opening pubs for 24 hours, his satirical campaigns mocked the rigidness of British politics while endearing him to the public. But was he just a joke candidate, or did his absurdity hold a mirror up to the establishment? We’ll examine the legacy of the Monster Raving Loony Party and how its spirit lives on in modern political satire. Beyond the larger-than-life persona, we’ll also discuss the struggles that plagued Sutch later in life. Despite his public bravado, he faced personal demons, battling depression and financial difficulties. His tragic death in 1999 shocked fans and left many wondering about the toll of a lifetime spent in the limelight. Was his eccentricity a shield, or was he truly the eternal optimist he portrayed? Join us as we celebrate the highs, the lows, and the sheer lunacy of Screaming Lord Sutch—a man who blurred the lines between rock, politics, and performance art like no other. Whether you know him as the original shock rocker or Britain’s most loveable political rebel, this episode is a deep dive into the unforgettable world of one of the UK’s greatest cult figures. Talk2TheHand is an independent throwback podcast run by husband and wife, Jimmy and Beth. Obsessed with 90s nostalgia and 90s celebrities, we'll rewind the years and take you back to the greatest era of our lives.   New episodes bursting with nostalgia of the 90s released on Tuesdays. Please subscribe to our podcast and we'll keep you gooey in 1990s love. Find us on Twitter @talk2thehandpod or email us at [email protected] or [email protected]

In this episode of Talk2TheHand, we step through the magical portal of 90s television and revisit Goodnight Sweetheart, the beloved BBC sitcom that blended time travel, romance, and comedy in a way no other show quite dared. Created by Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran, this unique series followed Gary Sparrow, a hapless TV repairman who stumbles upon a time portal to 1940s London. With a wife in the present and a lover in the past, Gary's double life led to plenty of laughs, heartfelt moments, and an ever-growing tangle of lies. We explore the origins of the show, its development, and what inspired Marks and Gran to craft this genre-bending sitcom. Was Goodnight Sweetheart simply a romantic comedy with a sci-fi twist, or was it a deeper reflection on nostalgia and the idea of escaping one’s reality? We’ll discuss how the series balanced humor with historical detail, weaving real wartime events into Gary’s adventures. From the iconic theme tune to the meticulous recreation of 1940s London, the show’s dedication to its premise set it apart. Of course, we can’t talk about Goodnight Sweetheart without discussing Nicholas Lyndhurst’s performance as Gary. Fresh off the success of Only Fools and Horses, Lyndhurst brought charm and depth to a character who, on paper, might have been difficult to root for. We’ll also take a look at the supporting cast, from his long-suffering wife Yvonne to his loyal yet clueless best mate Ron, and, of course, his great love in the past, Phoebe. Each of these characters played a crucial role in making the show work, providing both comedic relief and emotional stakes. Finally, we’ll reflect on the show’s legacy. Though it ended in 1999, Goodnight Sweetheart remained a fan favorite, even returning for a one-off special in 2016. But did it ever get the recognition it deserved? And how does it hold up today in an era of complex, serialised TV storytelling? We’ll break down the show’s lasting impact and ask whether Goodnight Sweetheart could ever make a full comeback. So grab a cup of tea, tune in, and join us as we take a trip back in time with Goodnight Sweetheart—a show that proved sometimes, the past really is another country. Talk2TheHand is an independent throwback podcast run by husband and wife, Jimmy and Beth. Obsessed with 90s nostalgia and 90s celebrities, we'll rewind the years and take you back to the greatest era of our lives.   New episodes bursting with nostalgia of the 90s released on Tuesdays. Please subscribe to our podcast and we'll keep you gooey in 1990s love. Find us on Twitter @talk2thehandpod or email us at [email protected] or [email protected]