A look BACK AT 2023

Join us as we remember some of the past year's highs, lows and breakthroughs

- CHRISTABEL SMITH

1 POWER COUPLE

When two blockbuster movies, Barbie (based on Mattel's fashion dolls) and Oppenheimer (about the American physicist who created the atomic bomb) were released on the same day in July, they seemed to be polar opposites. But as well as star-studded casts, they shared a central theme - what it is to be human - and the phenomenon Barbenheimer was born. Barbie marketing was estimated to have cost $150 million vs Oppenheimer's $100 million, while for cinemagoers eager to experience both, the question was: which to see first?

2 Got a Spare copy?

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, brought new meaning to the term 'oversharing' when he published his memoir Spare in January.

His family revelations blasted through even the Palace's mighty defences and, according to Guinness World Records, made Spare the fastest selling non-fiction book of all time.

3 THE END OF THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD

At a time of life when others are getting ready for bed, 76-year-old Sir Elton John took to the Pyramid Stage during June's Glastonbury festival. Wearing a gold suit and orange-lensed glasses, he belted out Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting and hit after hit, his piano playing more thrilling than ever. Would this really be his last UK performance? We hope Sir Elt will be 'still standing' for years to come.

4 Should I stay or should I stay?

Despite a long fight for his political life, Boris Johnson finally stepped down as an MP in June. His cheerleader Nadine Dorries MP resigned from her Mid Bedfordshire seat 'with immediate effect' on the same day, though it took her 11 weeks to finally leave. NB: If you are a mere mortal asked to 'clear your desk', it tends to mean 'right now'!

5 MEDICAL ADVANCES