Basildon star Denise Van Outen and her partner Eddie Boxshall have recreated classic images from Seventies classic show the Good Life.

The pair posed with gardening equipment and vegetables just like Barbara and Tom from the hit show.

It comes as new research suggests modern Brits, reminiscent of the classic 70s sitcom, The Good Life, are a nation of Tom and Barbaras, with as many as 40 percent claiming they have become more self-sufficient since March 2020.

A further 43 percent say they have totally re-evaluated the way they live in terms of sustainability, saving energy and looking after the planet.

Almost a quarter (23 percent) have created their own vegetable patch, while almost a third (28 percent) now grow their own herbs, rather than buying them from a supermarket.

Denise, who was born in Basildon, has appeared on Dancing on Ice, Strictly Come Dancing and played intelligent businesswoman Karin Smart when she joined popular BBC soap Eastenders in 2015.

Echo: Classic - Barbara and Tom from the Good LifeClassic - Barbara and Tom from the Good Life

The study marks the launch of the Uswitch Green Accreditation, the first ever scheme to categorise green energy tariffs into ‘Bronze’, ‘Silver’ and ‘Gold’ categories, making it easier than ever before for consumers to know how sustainable their energy deal really is.

To support the campaign, Denise and Eddie got back to basics and got into the garden to recreate the classic images of Tom and Barbara Good.

Sarah Broomfield, energy expert from Uswitch who commissioned the poll commented: “Like Denise and Eddie, many Brits are enjoying going back to the ‘good life’ by being more eco conscious. You do not have to be a ‘green’ expert to make more sustainable decisions though - there are small swaps you can do to help the planet.

“Sometimes it can be as simple as turning off lights when you leave the room or not overfilling the kettle when making a cup of tea or coffee. Switching to a green energy deal is also another way to do your bit for the environment.”

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Almost half (49 percent) of those polled said they have ditched the jars and packets, preferring to cook from scratch, while 18 percent have started to compost and more than one in ten (12 percent) have taken to making their own jams and pickles.

16 percent have even started to collect rainwater, while an environmentally conscious 20 percent have thought about using alternative energy within their home, for the sake of the planet.

In fact, a staggering 83 percent of the 2,000 surveyed felt that, despite the challenges of the past 18 months, there had been a return to the “good life” in Britain, with people continuing to live more simple and frugal existences, even as restrictions begin to lift.

And as many as 54 percent of those polled said they will try to hold onto these new ways of living, as we get back to normal life.

According to the survey, Leicester is the greenest city in the UK, with as many as 53 percent saying they have become more self-sufficient and energy-sufficient since March 2020, compared to the national average of 40 percent.

And Gen Z’s are leading the way, with 53 percent of 16- to 29-year-olds saying they have upped their environmental game in recent times, compared to 45 percent of 30 – 44-year-olds and just 28 % of over 60s.