The rise of Posh and Becks

29 May 2008 03:50pm

Said to be worth more than their sum of parts, David and Victoria Beckham have become as rich and famous through being together as in their solo careers. Their marriage has survived death threats, geographical obstacles and kiss and tell claims to be one of the most successful partnerships in showbusiness.

As the pair are named among the most influential people in the UK, we chart the milestones in their lives so far.

:: September 1995

David makes debut for Manchester United aged 17.

:: July 1996

Victoria's band the Spice Girls releases debut single Wannabe, which tops the charts in 22 countries.

:: August 1996

David breaks into the nation's consciousness after scoring a spectacular goal from the half-way line. He is given first England cap a month later.

:: Spring 1997

The two begin dating.

:: January 1998

They announce their engagement.

:: Summer 1998

David reportedly receives death threats after being sent off in World Cup for kicking out at Diego Simeone.

:: March 1999

Posh gives birth to the couple's first son, Brooklyn Joseph Beckham.

:: May 1999

David wins the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League with Manchester United.

:: July 1999

The couple marry at Luttrellstown Castle in Ireland, with Brooklyn as ring bearer.

:: January 2000

Scotland Yard foil a plot to kidnap Victoria and Brooklyn but no arrests are made.

:: August 2000

Victoria launches her solo career with single Out of Your Mind which gets to number two in the UK charts.

:: November 2000

David is appointed England captain.

:: September 2001

Victoria publishes her autobiography Learning To Fly which sells 500,000 copies.

:: Summer 2002

David becomes face of Brylcreem in a deal thought to be worth £1 million a year.

:: September 2002

Second son Romeo James Beckham is born.

:: 2003

Victoria releases single Let Your Head Go/This Groove recorded with US hip hop producer Damon Dash.

:: June 2003

David awarded OBE for services to football.

:: July 2003

David moves to Real Madrid (apparently for £25 million).

:: September 2003

David's autobiography My Side sells 103,000 copies in its first week, and becomes the biggest selling biography of the year.

::2004

Victoria designs a range of jeans called VB Rocks for US label Rock & Republic.

:: April 2004

David's personal assistant Rebecca Loos alleges she had an affair with him.

He dismissed the claims as "ludicrous". Victoria moves to Madrid to live with him.

:: May 2004

David becomes face of Gillette.

:: February 2005

Third son Cruz David Beckham is born.

:: November 2005

David launches his own fragrance range, David Beckham Instinct.

:: July 2006

David resigns as England captain following the side's quarter final elimination in the World Cup.

:: August 2006

David is dropped from the England squad.

:: September 2006

Victoria launches her own fashion label dvb Style. The couple bring out his'n'hers fragrance Intimately Beckham.

:: October 2006

Victoria brings out best-selling fashion guide That Extra Half an Inch: Hair, Heels and Everything In Between.

:: January 2007

David signs five-year contract with LA Galaxy, rumoured to be worth £125 million, to begin in July.

He launches his first assault on the American public by signing a sponsorship deal with Disney.

:: July 2007

The couple move to LA amid a huge media frenzy. They quickly make friends with A-list stars such as Will Smith, Tom Cruise and his wife Katie Holmes.

:: December 2007

Victoria goes on a reunion tour with the Spice Girls. She also signs a £1m contract to appear with the band in a Tesco advert.

© The Press Association