But of the record-breaking new entries, only one could even vaguely be regarded as a new-comer.

80s Cher: Big hair

Sunday's top slots are a real blast from the past, with Cher clinching the number one spot.

And eighties giants George Michael, U2 and Culture Club are proving they have still got what it takes, occupying the second, third and fourth positions respectively.

Alanis Morisette is the only 90s artist to figure in the line-up, at number five.

Cher said of her success with her new single Believe that she couldn't be happier "if she had twins".

George Michael shot to fame in Wham!

The age-defying singer/actress/fitness guru first shot to the top of the pops in 1965 as one half of Sonny and Cher, with I Got You Babe.

With a total of 33 years' solid grooving behind her, the 52-year-old says she is "absolutely ecstatic".

Currently in Rome to promote her new album, Believe, she said: "I am really, really excited. I am so happy and thrilled and I would like to say thank you to my British fans."

George Michael followed closely behind with Outdoors - a tribute to the pleasures of al fresco liaisons.

Glam Boy George - in the original Culture Club

The video accompanying the steamy track had to be censored before it was shown on Top of the Pops for the first time earlier this week.

George Michael first charted in 1982 with Wham! Outside is his first single since he was arrested and fined for lewd behaviour in the toilets at a Los Angeles park.

Irish band U2 went straight in at number three with a song recorded back in 1987, The Sweetest Thing. The track was previously a B-side to their hit Where The Streets Have No Name.

90s girl: Alanis Morisette

And Culture Club have made a spectacular return with their first single since reforming, I Just Wanna Be Loved.

Boy George's band has shot straight up to number four in the chart - more than a decade after hits like Do You Really Want to Hurt Me and Karma Chameleon occupied chart positions.

Spring chicken of chart toppers is the only truly Nineties act, Alanis Morissette with Thank U, according to latest sales figures.

The entire top three have been new entries on four occasions in the past, most recently last month.