B&TB&TB&T
  • Advertising
  • Campaigns
  • Marketing
  • Media
  • Technology
  • Regulars
    • Agency Scorecards
    • Best of the Best
    • Campaigns of the Month
    • CMO Power List
    • CMOs to Watch
    • Culture Bites
    • Fast 10
    • New Business Winners
    • Spotlight on Sponsors
  • Jobs
  • Awards
    • 30 Under 30
    • B&T Awards
    • Cairns Crocodiles
    • Women In Media
    • Women Leading Tech
Search
Trending topics:
  • Cairns Crocodiles
  • Nine
  • Seven
  • Pinterest
  • WPP
  • AFL
  • Anthony Albanese
  • Thinkerbell
  • NRL
  • Federal Election
  • Cannes Lions
  • State of Origin
  • AI
  • B&T Women in Media
  • Spotlight on Sponsors
  • Channel 10
  • ARN
  • TV Ratings
  • Radio Ratings
  • Sports Marketing

  • About
  • Contact
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Advertise
© 2025 B&T. The Misfits Media Company Pty Ltd.
Reading: Sir Richard Branson, Mr Blobby Head Host Of Stars In Riotous Virgin Train Ad
Share
B&TB&T
Subscribe
Search
  • Advertising
  • Campaigns
  • Marketing
  • Media
  • Technology
  • Regulars
    • Agency Scorecards
    • Best of the Best
    • Campaigns of the Month
    • CMO Power List
    • CMOs to Watch
    • Culture Bites
    • Fast 10
    • New Business Winners
    • Spotlight on Sponsors
  • Jobs
  • Awards
    • 30 Under 30
    • B&T Awards
    • Cairns Crocodiles
    • Women In Media
    • Women Leading Tech
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Advertise
© 2025 B&T. The Misfits Media Company Pty Ltd.
B&T > Campaigns > Sir Richard Branson, Mr Blobby Head Host Of Stars In Riotous Virgin Train Ad
Campaigns

Sir Richard Branson, Mr Blobby Head Host Of Stars In Riotous Virgin Train Ad

Staff Writers
Published on: 22nd November 2019 at 9:22 AM
Staff Writers
Share
1 Min Read
SHARE

When Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin started buying up rundown British rail lines way back in 1997 there was widespread outrage at the privatisation – and the hefty increase in fares – from many British commuters.

So, having failed to have its licence renewed (apparently over pension subsidies) Virgin Trains will sadly cease to be by the end of the year.

To celebrate (commiserate?) the company is going out with an all-singing, all-dancing campaign set to the Dirty Dancing track (I’ve Had) The Time of my Life.

Starring Sir Richard himself, the big budget number also stars classic UK kids icon, the indecipherable Mr Blobby; plus, Eastenders soapie star Shaun Williamson, football presenter Chris Kamara and drag artiste, Anna Phylactic.

The spot’s called “The Final Whistle” and is the work of London indie agency Cubaka. Check out the fun below:

Virgin Trains’s managing director Phil Whittingham of the ad and company’s demise: “Of course we’re extremely sad that Virgin Trains is disappearing as a train operator, but we wanted to leave as we entered: by having fun.

“We’re immensely proud of our track record over more than two decades and hope our customers enjoyed traveling with us as much as we enjoyed serving them.”

Join more than 30,000 advertising industry experts
Get all the latest advertising and media news direct to your inbox from B&T.

No related posts.

TAGGED: Ad campaigns, sir richard branson
Share
Staff Writers
By Staff Writers
Follow:
Staff Writers represent B&T's team of award-winning reporters. Here, you'll find articles crafted with industry experience spanning over 50 years. Our team of specialists brings together a wealth of knowledge and a commitment to delivering insightful, topical, and breaking news. With a deep understanding of advertising and media, our Staff Writers are dedicated to providing industry-leading analysis and reporting, both shaping the conversation and setting the benchmark for excellence.

Latest News

Westpac Banks On Michelle Klein To Lead Marketing & Growth
23/06/2025
Diversity Council Australia Celebrate Its 40th Birthday With New Brand Identity
23/06/2025
The B&T Awards Are Back!
23/06/2025
Cannes Lions Investigating Grand Prix Win Amid Claims Of Manipulated Submission
23/06/2025
//

B&T is Australia’s leading news publication magazine for the advertising, marketing, media and PR industries.

 

B&T is owned by parent company The Misfits Media Company Pty Ltd.

About B&T

  • About
  • Contact
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Advertise

Top Categories

  • Advertising
  • Campaigns
  • Marketing
  • Media
  • Opinion
  • Technology
  • TV Ratings

Sign Up for Our Newsletter



B&TB&T
Follow US
© 2025 B&T. The Misfits Media Company Pty Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Register Lost your password?