2006

**2006**

**MMVI**

* UK Prime Minister: Tony Blair
* FA Cup Winners: Liverpool (beat West Ham United) - held on 13 May 2006 at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales (125th edition) - ended in a 3-3 draw after extra time. Liverpool won the penalty shootout 3-1.
* Christmas Number One: Leona Lewis - A Moment Like This (Lewis was The X-Factor winner)
* Eurovision Song Contest: Athens, Greece 20 May
	+ Contest Winner: Lordi - Hard Rock Hallelujah (Finland - first ever win)
	+ UK Eurovision Entry: Daz Sampson - Teenage Life (19th/24)

* Blue Peter Team: Konnie Huq, Simon Thomas (until 25 April), Matt Baker (until 26 June 2006), Gethin Jones, Joel Defries (from September)
* Doctor Who: David Tennant (S02); *The Runaway Bride* Christmas Day with Catherine Tate
* Radio 1 Breakfast Show DJ: Chris Moyles
* Big Christmas Day Film On BBC1: 3.55 pm *Monsters, Inc.* (2002 - UK), BBC Two - *Nicholas Nickleby* (2002)

## Main events

*UK only (produced by ChatGPT, November 2023)*

1. **7 July London Bombings**: On 07 July, a series of coordinated bomb attacks targeted London's public transportation system during the morning rush hour. The bombings resulted in the deaths of 52 people and injured hundreds. It was the deadliest attack on London since World War II.
2. **Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak**: In August 2006, an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease occurred in Surrey, England. The government responded quickly with measures to contain and control the disease, including culling affected livestock.
3. **Glasgow Airport Attack**: On 30 June a terrorist attack took place at Glasgow Airport. A vehicle laden with explosives was driven into the airport's terminal building. The attackers were arrested, and there were no fatalities among the public.
4. **Queen's 80th Birthday**: Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 80th birthday on 21 April 2006. Various events and ceremonies were held to mark the occasion.
5. **Lebanon War**: The UK was involved in the Lebanon War in 2006 as part of an international peacekeeping force. The conflict primarily took place between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
6. **Education and Immigration Debates**: The year saw discussions and debates on education policy, including the introduction of tuition fees for universities in England. Immigration policy and related debates were also prominent during this time.

### Sports

1. **FIFA World Cup**: The 2006 FIFA World Cup was held in Germany from 09 June to 09 July. Italy emerged as the champions, defeating France in the final after a penalty shootout. Zinedine Zidane's infamous headbutt in the final became one of the tournament's defining moments. England lost 3-1 to Portugal in a quarter-final penalty shoot-out on 01 July. Wayne Rooney was sent off in the 62nd minute of the match. It was also captain David Beckham's last World Cup match
2. **Winter Olympics**: The 20th Winter Olympics took place in Turin, Italy, from 10 February to 26 February. Athletes from around the world competed in various winter sports, and Italy hosted the event for the second time in its history.
3. **Commonwealth Games:** the 18th Commonwealth Games were held in Melbourne, Australia, from 15 March to 26 March.
4. **UEFA Champions League Final**: The final of the 2005-2006 UEFA Champions League took place on 17 May, at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, France. Barcelona defeated Arsenal 2-1 to win the prestigious European club football title.

TV
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### New shows

* *Life On Mars, Torchwood, Jane Eyre, The Thick of It, Waterloo Road, Skins, Robin Hood*
* *How I Met Your Mother, How to Look Good Naked, Hannah Montana*
* The One Show (14 Aug.)

*full list*

### Shows ending

* *CD:UK, Top of the Pops* (30 July), *Byker Grove, Stars in Their Eyes*

*full list*

### Other TV events

* *Jackanory* returns (27 Nov.), *Countdown* celebrates its 4000th edition, Tony Blair is first serving Prime Minister to be interviewed by Michael Parkinson, *Coronation Street* character Mike Baldwin dies in the arms of his long-time rival, Ken Barlow, Prince of Wales makes a televised address in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II on 80th birthday, *Grandstand* to be axed, BBC begins High Definition Television trial - BBC HD launched 15 May 2006, 18.46 million watch England vs Sweden (20 June), *Doctors* celebrates its 1000th episode, Episode 5000 of *Neighbours*, *Holiday* programme to be axed, Zara Phillips is BBC Sports Personality of the Year, Wendy Richard makes her final appearance in *EastEnders* when her character, Pauline Fowler, is killed off (Christmas Day)

## Music

* Biggest selling singles: Gnarls Barkley - Crazy, Leona Lewis - A Moment Like This, Shakira featuring Wyclef Jean - Hips Don't Lie, Scissor Sisters - I Don't Feel Like Dancin' (*full list*)