The big films of the year were The Exorcist, Serpico, Last Tango in Paris and The Sting, with the latter winning the oscar for best picture.

In music the big singles of the year were Angie by The Rolling Stones and Crocodile Rock by Elton John, while two landmark albums were released - Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon and Paul McCartney and Wings' Band on the Run. The Christmas number one was Merry Xmas Everybody by Slade.

On television the sitcoms Open All Hours and Porridge made their debut as part of Ronnie Barker's Seven of One series. On January 14, Elvis Presley's Aloha From Hawaii - Via Satellite television special was seen around the world by more than one billion people.

Notable births included American actor Adrien Brody, English actress Kate Beckinsale, English TV comedian Noel Fielding, Welsh footballer Ryan Giggs and English marathon runner Paula Radcliffe.

Notable deaths included English playwright and actor Noel Coward, artist Pablo Picasso, martial arts actor Bruce Lee and former American president Lyndon B Johnson.

1973 Star Fact: On June 30 there was a total eclipse of the sun.