1981
A royal wedding and a wedding on the cobbles of Coronation Street, Only Fools and Horses made its debut and Bucks Fizz won Eurovision.
News
- Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer.
- Ronald Reagan succeeded Jimmy Carter, becoming the 40th American President.
- Peter Sutcliffe, the Yorkshire Ripper, was arrested and jailed for the murder of 13 women.
- Britain’s worst ever week of rioting began in Toxteth, Liverpool.
- John Hinckley shot President Reagan in the chest in an assassination attempt.
- The Queen opened the NatWest Tower, the tallest building in Europe at the time.
What’s New?
- Phone cards.
- Next made its debut on the high street.
- A CD player was demonstrated for the first time in Europe.
Entertainment
- Only Fools and Horses and Postman Pat made their debut on TV.
- Ken Barlow and Deirdre Langton married in Coronation Street, two days before Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. The wedding of Ken and Deirdre was watched by over 24 million.
- MTV debuted on cable TV, playing music videos 24 hours a day.
- After seven years starring in Doctor Who, Tom Baker made his final appearance as the Doctor.
Box Office
- Raiders of the Lost Ark, Superman II, The Cannonball Run, For Your Eyes Only, An American Werewolf in London, The Great Muppet Caper and Halloween II.
Music
- Benny Andersson and Frida Lyngstad of Abba announced their divorce.
- Bucks Fizz won the Eurovision Song Contest with ‘Making Your Mind Up’.
- Vince Clarke left Depeche Mode to form Yazoo with Alison Moyet.
- Steely Dan announced they were splitting up.
Top Hits of 1981
| No. | Artist | Title |
| #1 | Soft Cell | Tainted Love |
| #2 | Adam & The Ants | Stand And Deliver |
| #3 | Adam & The Ants | Prince Charming |
| #4 | Shakin’ Stevens | This ‘Ole House |
| #5 | Ultravox | Vienna |
| #6 | Bucks Fizz | Making Your Mind Up |
| #7 | Michael Jackson | One Day In Your Life |
| #8 | Joe Dolce Music Theatre | Shaddup You Face |
| #9 | The Tweets | The Birdie Song |
| #10 | Shakin’ Stevens | You Drive Me Crazy |
Sport
- Tottenham Hotspur won the FA Cup.
- John McEnroe and Chris Evert won Wimbledon.
- Steve Davis beat Doug Mountjoy in the World Snooker Championships.
- The Springbok rugby tour caused major controversy and riots in New Zealand.
