Getty Load of This: Post Office
Welcome back to Getty Load of This, a blog series where we pay homage to old-school PR stunts, signings and appearances. Part 2 sees us delve into the filthy promotional underbelly of the Post Office. Think it’s just royal visits? Think again…
October 2005
Getty says: “Corrie babe Nikki Sanderson takes to the High Street with the launch of Post Office Gift Vouchers. Gift Vouchers are are available at all 14,600 Post Office branches across the UK. Vouchers cover 100 retailers and experiences, including Topshop, River Island, Debenhams and Woolworths and experiences ranging from pampering treatments to paintballing and parachuting.”
WXY says: “There were more shots of this but you get the gist. If you wanted something selling and a flash of leg in the 00s, Nikki was your gal. She may get her own blog special given the sheer amount of crap she peddled over the years. She’s not alone though - we’re looking at you, Denise Van Outen.”
January 2005
Getty says: “Atomic Kitten Jenny Frost and actresses Denise Van Outen and Michelle Collins pose at the Royal Mail's Mount Pleasant Sorting Office to help boost vital funds for the Disasters Emergency Committee Tsunami Earthquake Appeal on January 4, 2005 in London, England.”
WXY says: “IT’S DENISE! To be fair, she did this for a good cause and we like to believe no celebrities were paid in the making of this campaign. Consider this: In 2005, Jenny Frost was still three years away from fulfilling her destiny as POD’s (Personal Overhaul Device, thank you very much) best chum in 00s telly classic Snog, Marry, Avoid.”
August 2007
Getty says: “Konnie Huq promotes a Global Cash Transfer Service offered by the Post Office on August 9, 2007 in London, England. All 14000 Post Office branches are now equipped with the latest technology to send or receive a Moneygram transfer.”
WXY says: “Huge Konnie Huq fans. Notice how she manages to look regretful and terrified at the same time, with a hint of menace? Listen, we know you’re minted and don’t need us anymore but please come back, Konnie.”
October 2014
Getty says: “Pop star Pixie Lott, currently top of the Strictly scoreboard, pictured on set at a shoot for the Post Office’s new Christmas campaign at Ealing Film Studios on October 30, 2014 in London, England.”
WXY says: “Christ, we thought Konnie looked regretful… Pixie’s clearly wondering whether it would be uncharitable to sack her agent in the run up to Christmas.”
Honourable Mentions
January 2009 - Lorraine Kelly
July 2008 - Samantha Womack
June 2009 - Rowan Atkinson (weirdly photographed after “the successful sale of his £8 Million supercar”)
Join us for part 3 where we’ll take a deep dive into…you’ll have to wait and see!