Page 3 The Sun was a long-running feature in the British tabloid newspaper The Sun, best known for publishing topless photographs of women alongside short captions, and it officially ended in its traditional form in 2015. This article explains exactly what Page 3 was, why it mattered, how it evolved, and what replaced it, giving you a clear, factual understanding from its launch to its cultural afterlife. You will learn when Page 3 started, who appeared on it, how it shaped British media and public debate, why it became controversial, and how changing social attitudes and digital media ultimately led to its decline. The guide also explores the business reasons behind Page 3, its role in celebrity culture, its critics and defenders, and its relevance today in conversations about media ethics, gender representation, and tabloid journalism. By the end, you will have a complete, structured overview of Page 3 The Sun, written to answer common search questions clearly and directly, while providing deeper context for readers who want more than a surface-level explanation.
Origins of Page 3
Page 3 The Sun began in November 1970, shortly after Rupert Murdoch acquired The Sun newspaper in the UK. The feature was introduced as part of a broader strategy to increase circulation by making the paper more visually striking and sensational. It typically appeared on page three of the print edition, which is how it got its name.
The early Page 3 images were not topless at first, featuring glamour photographs similar to those already popular in men’s magazines of the time. By 1973, however, topless photographs became the standard format, marking the beginning of the Page 3 era most people recognise today. This change coincided with a sharp rise in sales, cementing Page 3 as a core part of The Sun’s identity.
Rupert Murdoch’s Strategy
Rupert Murdoch’s approach to The Sun was unapologetically commercial. He believed that striking visuals and simple, provocative content would attract a mass audience. Page 3 fit neatly into this philosophy, offering a daily image that readers came to expect.
From a business perspective, Page 3 was not an isolated gimmick but part of a wider tabloid formula that included bold headlines, celebrity gossip, and simplified political coverage. Together, these elements helped The Sun become the UK’s highest-selling daily newspaper for decades. Page 3 played a symbolic role in signalling the paper’s tone and priorities.
Cultural Context of the 1970s
The rise of Page 3 must be understood in the context of the 1970s, a decade marked by changing attitudes to sexuality, censorship, and media freedom. Britain was emerging from a more conservative post-war culture, and mainstream media was beginning to push boundaries.
Topless imagery was becoming more common in magazines, films, and advertising. Page 3 capitalised on this shift by bringing glamour photography into a daily newspaper, making it accessible to millions. While controversial even then, it resonated with a readership that saw it as cheeky rather than shocking.
Format and Presentation
Page 3 typically featured a single model photographed topless, often smiling or posing confidently, accompanied by a brief caption. The captions usually included the model’s name, age, hometown, and a short, light-hearted quote or comment.
The simplicity of the format was deliberate. It made Page 3 instantly recognisable and easy to consume. Readers knew exactly what they were getting, and the consistency helped turn Page 3 into a daily ritual for many. Over time, this predictability became part of its brand power.
Who Were the Page 3 Models
Page 3 models were often young women in their late teens or early twenties, many of whom saw it as a stepping stone to broader modelling or media careers. Some went on to achieve significant fame in television, acting, or reality shows.
Appearing on Page 3 could provide immediate national exposure. For some models, it opened doors to magazine shoots, endorsements, and public appearances. For others, it was a brief moment of visibility with limited long-term benefits. The experiences varied widely depending on timing, management, and public reception.
Notable Page 3 Alumni
Several well-known British celebrities began their careers as Page 3 models. Names such as Samantha Fox, Katie Price, and Linda Lusardi are often cited as examples of women who leveraged Page 3 exposure into long-lasting media careers.
Their success stories were frequently used by supporters of Page 3 to argue that it offered opportunities rather than exploitation. However, critics countered that for every high-profile success, many more models gained little beyond short-term attention.
Editorial Justifications
The Sun’s editorial leadership consistently defended Page 3 as harmless entertainment. Editors argued that the models participated willingly and were paid for their work. They framed Page 3 as a celebration of confidence and glamour rather than objectification.
This justification was central to The Sun’s resistance to change for many years. The paper maintained that Page 3 reflected reader preferences and that removing it would undermine its identity. These arguments became more contested as public attitudes evolved.
Early Criticism
Criticism of Page 3 emerged almost as soon as topless images became standard. Some readers complained about seeing nudity in a family newspaper, while others objected on moral or religious grounds.
Feminist groups were among the most vocal critics, arguing that Page 3 reduced women to sexual objects and reinforced harmful stereotypes. These critiques gained traction over time, particularly as conversations about gender equality and representation became more prominent.
Feminist Opposition
By the 1980s and 1990s, feminist opposition to Page 3 had become more organised and visible. Campaigners argued that the feature contributed to a culture that normalised sexism and undermined women’s credibility in professional settings.
They also highlighted the contradiction between Page 3 and The Sun’s coverage of serious news. The presence of topless images alongside reports on politics or crime was seen as diminishing the paper’s social responsibility.
Political Reactions
Page 3 occasionally became a topic of political debate, particularly when copies of The Sun appeared in public institutions such as schools or government offices. Some politicians criticised the feature as outdated and inappropriate.
Others defended it on free speech grounds, arguing that government intervention in newspaper content would set a dangerous precedent. As a result, Page 3 remained largely protected from direct political regulation.
Page 3 and British Identity
For many readers, Page 3 became part of a distinctly British tabloid tradition. It was often described as cheeky, irreverent, and unapologetic, reflecting a certain national self-image.
This association helped Page 3 endure longer than similar features elsewhere. Supporters claimed it was misunderstood by critics who failed to appreciate its cultural context. Detractors argued that tradition alone was not a sufficient justification.
Changing Social Attitudes
By the 2000s, social attitudes toward gender representation were shifting more rapidly. Conversations about workplace equality, media influence, and consent became more mainstream. Page 3 increasingly appeared out of step with these values.
Younger readers, in particular, were less likely to see Page 3 as amusing or acceptable. This generational shift posed a challenge for The Sun, which relied on maintaining relevance with new audiences.
Digital Media Disruption
The rise of the internet transformed access to images and adult content. What once made Page 3 distinctive became widely available online, often for free. This reduced its novelty and commercial value.
Digital competition forced newspapers to rethink their content strategies. Page 3 no longer offered the same competitive advantage it once had, especially as advertisers became more cautious about brand associations.
Campaigns Against Page 3
One of the most high-profile campaigns against Page 3 emerged in the early 2010s, calling for its removal from The Sun. Campaigners used social media to mobilise support and raise awareness.
The campaign argued that Page 3 was incompatible with modern values and harmful to efforts to promote gender equality. It gained support from public figures, academics, and some advertisers, increasing pressure on the newspaper.
Advertiser Influence
Advertisers play a crucial role in newspaper revenue, and concerns about brand safety began to affect Page 3’s viability. Some companies were reluctant to place ads near sexualised imagery.
This economic pressure mattered. Even if Page 3 remained popular with some readers, declining advertiser support weakened the business case for keeping it unchanged.
The Decision to Change
In January 2015, The Sun quietly stopped publishing topless images on Page 3 in its print edition. The change was not initially accompanied by a major announcement, leading to confusion and speculation.
Over time, it became clear that the traditional Page 3 format had ended. The paper experimented with alternative content, including images of clothed models and other features.
Official End of Page 3
Later in 2015, The Sun confirmed that Page 3 in its classic form was no longer part of the newspaper. This marked the end of an era that had lasted more than four decades.
The decision reflected a combination of social, commercial, and strategic factors. While some readers welcomed the change, others criticised it as unnecessary or politically motivated.
Reaction from Supporters
Supporters of Page 3 expressed disappointment, arguing that the feature had been unfairly targeted. They claimed it was consensual, popular, and part of British media heritage.
Some also suggested that removing Page 3 did little to address deeper issues of sexism, which they argued existed across many forms of media.
Reaction from Critics
Critics celebrated the end of Page 3 as a victory for gender equality and responsible journalism. They saw it as evidence that sustained public pressure could influence powerful media organisations.
For many campaigners, the change symbolised progress rather than censorship. It was framed as a voluntary editorial decision reflecting modern values.
What Replaced Page 3
After ending topless images, The Sun continued to use page three for various types of content, including news stories, features, and images of clothed models.
This shift aligned Page 3 more closely with the rest of the newspaper. While it no longer carried the same cultural weight, it remained a prominent page within the print edition.
Online Presence After 2015
Although topless Page 3 images disappeared from the print edition, The Sun continued to publish glamour content online for some time. This allowed the brand to maintain continuity while adapting to different audiences.
Over time, even the online emphasis shifted, reflecting broader changes in digital publishing and advertising standards.
Page 3’s Legacy
Page 3 The Sun remains a significant case study in media history. It illustrates how commercial incentives, cultural norms, and social activism intersect in shaping editorial decisions.
Its long lifespan demonstrates the power of routine and expectation in mass media, while its end highlights the influence of changing public values.
Media Ethics Debate
The Page 3 debate contributed to wider discussions about media ethics, particularly around consent, representation, and responsibility. These conversations continue to shape journalism today.
Many journalism courses and media studies programmes use Page 3 as an example when exploring ethical decision-making in the press.
Gender Representation in Media
Page 3 also influenced how gender representation is discussed in media analysis. It raised questions about who media content is for and whose perspectives are prioritised.
These questions remain relevant as new platforms and formats emerge, each with their own challenges and controversies.
International Comparisons
Few other countries embraced a Page 3-style feature in a mainstream daily newspaper for as long as the UK did. This makes Page 3 a relatively unique phenomenon.
Comparing it to international media highlights differences in cultural norms, regulation, and audience expectations.
Economic Impact on The Sun
For much of its history, Page 3 contributed to The Sun’s strong circulation figures. Its removal did not cause an immediate collapse, suggesting that its importance had already declined.
This outcome reinforced the idea that newspapers must evolve to survive, even when it means letting go of long-standing features.
Public Memory and Nostalgia
For many readers, Page 3 evokes nostalgia for a particular era of British tabloid culture. Memories of Page 3 are often tied to broader recollections of print newspapers and daily routines.
This nostalgia can coexist with criticism, reflecting the complexity of how media features are remembered.
Academic Analysis
Scholars have analysed Page 3 from sociological, feminist, and economic perspectives. These analyses explore its role in shaping attitudes toward gender and media consumption.
Academic interest ensures that Page 3 remains relevant as a subject of study, even after its disappearance from print.
Page 3 in Popular Culture
Page 3 has been referenced in television shows, films, and comedy sketches, often as shorthand for British tabloid excess. These references reinforce its iconic status.
Such portrayals also contribute to simplified or exaggerated understandings of what Page 3 represented.
Lessons for Modern Media
One key lesson from Page 3 is that media practices considered acceptable at one time may later be viewed as problematic. Adaptability is essential for long-term survival.
The Page 3 story also shows that audience preferences are not static and can be influenced by wider social movements.
Practical Information and Planning
Page 3 The Sun no longer exists in its traditional form, so there are no current opening hours, prices, or visitor arrangements. Historically, The Sun was available daily across the UK through newsagents and subscriptions.
Today, readers can access The Sun digitally via its website and app, which operate on a mix of free and paid content. Print editions are still sold daily, but Page 3 is now a standard editorial page rather than a glamour feature. Readers should expect a modern tabloid mix of news, opinion, sport, and entertainment.
Modern Relevance
Understanding Page 3 is useful for anyone interested in media history, journalism, or cultural change. It provides context for current debates about representation and editorial responsibility.
While Page 3 itself has ended, the questions it raised remain highly relevant in the digital age.
FAQs
What was Page 3 The Sun?
Page 3 The Sun was a feature in the British newspaper The Sun that published topless photographs of women, usually with short captions. It ran in this form for over 40 years before ending in 2015.
When did Page 3 start?
Page 3 began in November 1970, shortly after Rupert Murdoch acquired The Sun newspaper. Topless images became standard in 1973.
Why was it called Page 3?
The feature appeared on page three of the print newspaper, which is how it got its name. The consistency of placement helped make it iconic.
When did Page 3 end?
The traditional topless Page 3 ended in January 2015, when The Sun stopped publishing such images in its print edition.
Why did The Sun remove Page 3?
The decision was influenced by changing social attitudes, advertiser pressure, and declining relevance in the digital age. Public campaigns also played a role.
Were Page 3 models paid?
Yes, Page 3 models were paid for their work and generally participated voluntarily, although critics questioned broader issues of power and representation.
Did Page 3 appear online?
After ending in print, glamour content continued online for a period, but its prominence has since decreased significantly.
Was Page 3 legal?
Page 3 was legal under UK law, as it involved consenting adults and complied with obscenity regulations at the time.
Did Page 3 increase newspaper sales?
Yes, particularly in its early decades, Page 3 was associated with increased circulation and strong brand recognition for The Sun.
Is Page 3 still part of The Sun today?
Page three still exists as a page, but it no longer features topless models. It now carries standard editorial content.
Why is Page 3 still discussed?
Page 3 is discussed because it represents a significant chapter in British media history and raises ongoing questions about ethics and representation.
What replaced Page 3 models?
Clothed images, features, and news content replaced the traditional Page 3 model after 2015.
Was Page 3 unique to the UK?
While glamour photography existed elsewhere, Page 3 was unusual in its longevity and placement in a mainstream daily newspaper.
How is Page 3 viewed today?
Today, Page 3 is often viewed as a product of its time, criticised for sexism but also recognised for its cultural impact.
What can media learn from Page 3?
Media organisations can learn the importance of adapting to social change and balancing commercial success with ethical responsibility.
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