‘Actually’ debuted at the number 2 on the UK Albums Chart upon its release in 1987. The album was produced by Julian Mendelsohn, Stephen Hague, Shep Pettibone, Andy Richards and Pet Shop Boys. This period saw Pet Shop Boys reach new critical and commercial heights with three number one singles, “It’s a sin”, “Always on my mind” and Heart”, and ‘What have I done to deserve this’, their number two single featuring Dusty Springfield.
The ‘Catalogue’ re-issue of ‘Actually’ includes the remastered original album with the 2‑CD album features bonus material including the Shep Pettibone mix of ‘Heart’, and demo versions and alternative mixes of tracks including ‘One more chance’ and ‘Always on my mind’.