It happened in ... 1986

10:57am Wednesday 16th July 2008

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In music the big singles of the year were Rock Me Amadeus by Falco, Papa Don't Preach by Madonna and Take My Breath Away by Berlin. Christmas number one was Reet Petite by Jackie Wilson, which was made popular by its use in an advert for Levi jeans.

The big films of the year were Top Gun, Aliens, Crocodile Dundee and Platoon, with the latter winning the best picture Oscar.

Charity event Comic Relief made its television debut. Another comedic television event was Culture Club lead singer Boy George's guest appearance on action drama The A-Team.

Notable births included Welsh singer Charlotte Church, English actor Jamie Bell, American actors Shia LaBoeuf and Lindsay Lohan and professional footballer's wife Coleen McLoughlin.

Notable deaths included the seven crew members of NASA's Challenger space shuttle, which broke apart seconds into its flight on January 28.

1986 Star Fact: On January 20 the UK and France announced plans to build the Channel Tunnel. It opened in 1994.