WHEN the Bucks Fizz lads whipped off the Cheryl Baker and Jay Aston's skirts halfway through Making Your Mind Up on the way to Eurovision glory, it became an iconic moment in the song competition's long history.

The song became an instant hit around the world, reaching number one in nine countries and selling four million records.

They went on to release two more UK number ones – The Land of Make Believe and My Camera Never Lies - as well as eight top 20 hits, selling more than 15 million records and picking up Ivor Novello and best group gongs in the 1982 Rock and Pop Awards.

Disaster struck at the peak of their success in December 1984, when their tour coach was involved in a collision which resulted in Mike Nolan sustaining a serious head injury.

And following his recovery, they were hit by more bad news when Jay Aston announced she was quitting the group.

They managed another top ten hit with Jay’s replacement, Shelley Preston, but it was their last and the band disintegrated as each member left to pursue solo careers.

It wasn't until 2007 when they were asked to reunite for TV series Pop Goes The Band that they met up again.

Bobby decided not to be involved, but Cheryl, Mike and Jay started working together on stage again for the first time in 24 years in 2009.

They celebrated the 30th anniversary of their Eurovision triumph with a sell-out performance at the London Palladium in 2011 and then started looking for a fourth member so they could recreate their famous dance routines.

Mike rang old pal Bobby McVay, of 1983 UK Eurovision contenders Sweet Dreams, to see if he would like to join the trio on tour.

Bobby jumped at the chance and the new four-piece Bucks Fizz popped its cork.

It's now 35 years since Making Your Mind Up exploded on to the Eurovision stage. Fans wanting to see some more can catch Bucks Fizz's Make Believe Tour at Clacton's West Cliff Theatre tomorrow at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £22 from the box office on 01255 433344.