Channel 4 is celebrating four decades of being on the air today. The broadcaster was given a strongly-worded remit in 1982 to 'shake up television' by then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher ...

1. Channel 4 began broadcasting at 4.45pm on 2 November 1982. 2. The first voice heard was that of continuity announcer Paul Coia. He said, "Good afternoon. It's a pleasure to be able to say to you - ...

Phil Redmond's gritty Liverpool-set soap began in 1982 on Channel 4's first night, courting controversy from the off with a series of hard-hitting storylines. Anna Friel became synonymous with her ...