Sum up 2008 in two words? It would have to be Credit Crunch wouldn’t it? For this was the year when all those previously omnipresent buzzwords about global warming, making poverty history and it’s been an incredible emotional roller coaster journey, Simon, suddenly took backseat to the financier’s phrasebook.

In 2008 we didn’t all become bankers. But we did learn to talk like one. Sub prime mortgages, stagflation, derivatives, hedge funds, futures?

Suddenly we were all talking collateralised debt obligation — even if we didn’t have a baldly what any of it meant.

This was the year in which we worried less about polar bears — more about a bear market. When saving the banks seemed more imperative than saving the planet.

But 2008 wasn’t just about economic issues.

There were Olympic Games in Beijing, an exciting American presidential campaign, any amount of uplifting reality TV and the odd food scare. 2008 — the year of the Dancing Pig. And the pig with dioxins.

How to sum up all that? No better way than to leave it to the main players themselves — and some of the best quotes from the year.

Your company is now bankrupt, our economy is now in a state but you get to keep $480 million. I have a very basic question for you: Is this fair?

Lehman Brothers Chief Executive Richard Fuld is grilled over the bank's collapse. He had no reply.

Oh no, it's a disaster! Abort, abort! Put the phone down, put the phone down, code red, code red! I'm sorry Mr Fawlty, I'm sorry?

Russell Brand during his infamous call to Andrew Sachs in which he boasted of having sex with the latter’s grand-daughter.

There is nothing decent about Russell Brand - he's a despicable rat.

Mr Sachs’ granddaughter, Georgina Baillie takes it all badly.

I take complete responsibility and offer nothing but love and contrition and I hope that now Jonathan and the BBC will endure less forensic wrath.

Brand apologises?

It is a pity he is not there. The comedy awards are not the same without Jonathan.

?.but goes on to glory at the British comedy awards.

Jonathan Ross meanwhile, remains suspended by the Beeb.

What is the difference between God and Bono? God doesn't wander down Grafton Street thinking he's Bono.

Louis Walsh passes judgement.

I'm warning you with peace and love, I have too much to do. No more fan mail.

Ringo Starr signals — in a peaceful, loving sort of way — that he’s had it up to here with autographs.

I feel like I am 20 again, but with arthritis.

Sylvester Stallone, now 61, is realistic about his return as Rambo.

I didn't just fall off the wagon. I let the wagon fall on me. I give up. Fat wins.

Oprah Winfrey concedes defeat in the battle of the bulge.