Magic moments of 2003

It was the moment that held the nation riveted, and transformed Jonny Wilkinson from sportsman to superman.

Now, the instant that the England fly half clinched the Rugby World Cup for England with a spectacular extra-time drop kick has been named the Moment of the Year.

The awards are designed to honour the most joyful, thrilling, funny and plain unexpected events of the past 12 months.

The only other sporting moment that came close was the dressingroom row between David Beckham and his former manager Sir Alex Ferguson - which ended with a discarded football boot being kicked firmly into the face of the England captain.

The most thrilling TV moment was when Dirty Den returned to EastEnders after 14 years with the immortal line: "Hello Princess," to daughter Sharon - watched by 16 million soap fans.

The study was commissioned by internet bank smile, which questioned 5,000 people.

The breast-baring, egg-pelting antics of the crowds who heckled magician David Blaine's starvation stunt at Tower Bridge were considered hilarious, as was selfstyled "comedy terrorist" Aaron Barschak's gatecrashing of Prince William's 21st birthday party at Windsor Castle. And many voted for Madonna and Britney Spears's full-on kiss at the MTV awards.

Phil Garlick, head of operations at smile, said despite a strong list of favourites there could be only one true contender for the title.

He said: "Wilkinson brought a smile to the whole country in England's greatest sporting triumph since the 1966 football World Cup."