The big films of the year were Beverley Hills Cop, Ghostbusters, Karate Kid and Amadeus, with the latter winning the best picture Oscar.

In music, the big singles were Wake Me Up Before You Go Go by Wham, I Just Called to Say I Love You by Stevie Wonder and Relax by Frankie Goes to Hollywood. The Christmas number one was Do They Know It's Christmas? by Band Aid.

On television, Thomas the Tank Engine made his debut and Peter Davison ended his stint as Dr Who, with Colin Baker taking over.

Notable births included Prince Harry, singers Gareth Gates and Shayne Ward, Ugly Betty star America Ferrera and actress Scarlett Johansson.

Notable deaths included soul singer Marvin Gaye, comedians Eric Morecambe and Tommy Cooper, actor Richard Burton and film director Sam Peckinpah.

1984 Star Fact: On January 28, 1984, Michael Jackson's hair caught fire while he was filming a commercial.