Denzel Washington Born 28 December 1954 Denzel Washington was intent on becoming a journalist before catching the acting bug at college. He became the first African- American actor to win two Oscars.
Kirsty MacColl Died 18 December 2000 Singer Kirsty MacColl died after being hit by a speedboat, aged 41, while scuba diving with her two sons in Mexico. One of her biggest hits was her 1987 collaboration with The Pogues, Fairytale of New York.
Tragedy: Over 200,000 people from 13 different countries died on Boxing Day 2004 when an earthquake in the Indian Ocean caused a devastating tsunami. Within six months, around £7 billion had been pledged in aid. Triumph: On 22 December 1972, the Chilean Air Force found 14
survivors from a plane crash in the Andes two months before. Some of the group resorted to cannibalism and their ordeal was made into the book and film, Alive!
Trivia: The first episode of Coronation Street was aired on 9 December 1960. William Roach, who plays Ken Barlow, was the only original cast member to have remained in the soap, until Philip Lowrie returned earlier this year as Dennis Tanner.
CHRISTMAS BY NUMBERS am
Day in December when you’re most likely to get a sore throat
Time most people open presents on Christmas Day
Percentage of us who will watch the Queen’s Speech
Amount of pounds most shoppers spend at Christmas
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Time most of us have our first family row on Christmas Day
Percentage of families who will go to church on 25 December
Number of hours women spend shopping for their party dress
Last posting day for Second Class mail
Last posting day for First Class mail
Last posting day for Special Delivery
Percentage of us who will tuck into a traditional Christmas dinner
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Time most of us go to bed on Christmas night – it’s all over!
65 per cent of pet owners will buy their furry friend a