Former page three model Samantha Fox and Fleetwood Mac's Mick Fleetwood went down in history for turning the live 1989 award ceremony into a shambles. Fox and Fleetwood were mismatched presenters in when they continually missed cues and fluffed their lines, and Fox mistakenly introduced Boy George as the Four Tops.

Also rather embarrassingly, government minister Kenneth Baker was booed by the audience. Finally a pre-recorded message by Michael Jackson was never broadcast, despite the show ending 10 minutes early.

Acoustic folk-pop band Fairground Attraction were the surprise victors, scooping awards for best album and best single. Cliff Richard collected the outstanding contribution award after 30 years in the music business.