It was a good year for . . .

Richard Rodriguez as he entered the Guinness Book of Records for remaining on a roller-coaster for a stomach turning number of…

Richard Rodriguez as he entered the Guinness Book of Records for remaining on a roller-coaster for a stomach turning number of months.

Life also had its ups and downs for Geri Halliwell, who swapped platform shoes for sensible suits as she went from being a sexy Spice to an ex-Spice.

Herr Schroder, the new German Chancellor with some big shoes to fill.

Dana International, the sex-change songstress who revelled in her victory at the Eurovision Song Contest despite being called "he, she or it" by one Irish commentator.

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Budget conscious air travellers, who this year could pick up flights at Internet auctions for as little as 39p.

Posh, Scary and All Saint Melanie Blatt, who transformed girl power into mother power and made the resulting bump a fashion accessory.

Dolly the Sheep, who became a mum.

George Michael as he increased sales of his new album with a very public coming out in an LA toilet.

Charlotte Church, a 12-year-old with the voice of an angel and a bank balance that's not too shabby either. France as they win the World Cup and get in touch with their ethnic side.

Monica Lewinsky: Let's face it, she wasn't going to get rich and famous any other way.

Jennifer Aniston, Rachel from Friends. Two words. Brad and Pitt.