The big films of the year were Raiders of the Lost Ark, Superman II, Arthur and Chariots of Fire, with the latter winning the best picture Oscar.

In music, the big hits were Soft Cell’s Tainted Love, John Lennon’s Woman and Phil Collins’ In the Air Tonight. The Christmas number one was Don’t You Want Me by The Human League.

Only Fools and Horses, Postman Pat and Dynasty made their TV debuts.

Notable births included singers Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears, tennis aces Roger Federer and Serena Williams and heiress Paris Hilton.

Notable deaths included reggae star Bob Marley and legendary football manager Bill Shankly.

In January 1981, Peter Sutcliffe confessed to being The Yorkshire Ripper. Charged with killing 13 people, he pleaded guilty to manslaughter but not murder, claiming diminished responsibility as he believed he was following instructions from God. Sutcliffe was found guilty of murder and began a life sentence in May 1981.

1981 Star Fact: On January 13, 1981, Worcestershire schoolgirl Donna Griffiths began an uncontrollable series of sneezes which did not end until September 16, 1983 — 978 days later.