1996

[Star Attraction]

The Eurovision Song Contest came from Oslo Spektrum, Oslo, Norway.

• An audio pre-qualifier was held in advance of the event. Hosts Norway automatically qualified; out of the 29 other countries who entered the audio pre-qualifier only 22 reached the actual contest. This pre-qualifier was not broadcast in any way.
• Ireland won with "The Voice" sung by Eimear Quinn 162 points (Ireland's 4th win in 5 years).
• The UK's entry "Just A Little Bit" sung by Gina G finished 8th with 77 points.
• No-one scored nul points; Finland finished last with 9 points: "Niin Kaunis On Taivas" sung by Jasmine.

UEFA Euro 96 was hosted by England (for the first ever time) from 8 June to 30 June 1996.

• Host country England made it as far as the semi-final against Germany on 26 June, but went out on penalties.
• Germany won the final against Czech Republic on 30 June.
• The associated song Baddiel and Skinner and The Lightning Seeds - "Three Lions" reached number one twice on the UK singles chart.

The Spice Girls became immensely successful worldwide in 1996.

• They released their debut single, "Wannabe" which became number one in many countries including UK.
• They had two further UK number one singles in 1996: "Say Youll Be There" and "2 Become 1".

Other UK number one singles in 1996 included:

• Babylon Zoo - "Spaceman"
• Oasis Dont - "Look Back In Anger"
• Take That - "How Deep Is Your Love"
• The Prodigy - "Firestarter"
• Fugees - "Killing Me Softly"
• Fugees - "Ready Or Not"
• Dunblane - "Knockin On Heavens Door"

The ITV South West England franchise holder Westcountry Television was purchased by Carlton Communications (who already owned the London weekday Carlton and Midlands Central franchises. However the Westcountry brand continued to be used until September 1999.

The marriage of Charles and Diana officially ended in divorce on 28 August 1996.

Any more memories of 1996, please air them here.