JANUARY not gone as well as expected? Well, not to worry. The Chinese New Year starts on Saturday, giving you the chance to start all over again. 2003, the year of the sheep, will be celebrated all over the world and to mark the occasion Nicola Mostyn finds out what your Chinese sign says about you and rates the compatibility of some famous couples.

Rat

Year: 1900, 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020

Greatest Affinity : Dragon, Monkey

Greatest Enmity : Horse

Okay, so you're vermin - but its not all bad! In Chinese astrology Rats are imaginative, charming and generous and make appealing friends. However, this sign is motivated by self-interest, so be careful of excessive greed! Rats hate boredom so need a partner who can keep them constantly entertained.

Gareth Gates (Rat) and Jordan (Horse)

Sworn enemies!

Though initially attracted to each other, their different personalities will soon clash. Soz Jordan!

Ox

Year: 1901, 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021

Greatest Affinity : Rooster, Snake

Greatest Enmity : Sheep

Unsurprisingly Oxen are a slow and steady sign. Born leaders, the ox inspires confidence and trust, approaching everything in a solid, step-by-step manner. The Ox is honest and gives unbiased advice but must watch out for being too judgemental when it comes to loved ones.

Gwyneth Paltrow (Ox) Chris Martin (Snake)

Good match: While sparks might not be exactly flying, this is a balanced pairing in which stable Ox complements the ambitious, intelligent Snake. A future of love and commitment (not to mention showbiz parties) beckons.

Tiger

Year: 1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022

Greatest Affinity : Dog, Horse

Greatest Enmity : Monkey

Tigers are bold, adventurous and charming risk takers who use their magnetism and self-possession to become leaders. Ambitious and single minded they can happily go it alone. Tigers should try to curb their mood swings and a tiger's partner must remember that they are, at heart, sensitive types. Aaawwww!

Victoria Beckham (Tiger) and David Beckham(Rabbit)

They might seem the best matched couple since Fred and Ginger but actually this pairing have little in common; one is strong and the other soft. However, if they play to each other's strengths, this can work, as solid couple Posh and Becks prove.

Rabbit

Year: 1903, 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023

Greatest Affinity : Sheep, Boar

Greatest Enmity : Rooster

Rabbits are timid, attractive, and compassionate signs who dote on their family and friends. A lover of beautiful things, Rabbits always make sure they have tastefully-furnished homes. A delicate sign, these bunnies dislike conflict and so must watch out for lovers who think they're a pushover.

Ant and Dec (both Rabbits)

Best Mates: Not the most exciting duo, two bunnies spells a harmonious relationship where each respects the other's needs - which helps with all those cues, eh lads?

Dragon

Year: 1904, 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024

Greatest Affinity : Rat, Monkey

Greatest Enmity : Dog

Dragons are one of the most powerful signs, fun loving, enthusiastic and, of course, fiery! Intelligent and tenacious, Dragons are also warm hearted. Beware though; a Dragon's temper sometimes stands in the way of compassion and their huge ego might get in the way of true love!

Sandra Bullock (Dragon) and Hugh Grant (Rat)

Soul Mates: If they're not together they should be. This is one of the best pairings in the Chinese Zodiac as both signs are ambitious and adventurous and their passion makes them a formidable pair. Liz who?

Snake

Year: 1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025

Greatest Affinity : Ox , Rooster

Greatest Enmity : Boar

Snakes have a bad press, but in Chinese astrology they are romantic, deep-thinking and are, themselves, charmers. Snakes are lucky with money, with impeccable instincts but can also be a bit stingy. Though loving, snakes can make jealous lovers.

Tony Blair (Snake) and George W Bush (Dog)

Odd Couple: This relationship is a one sided affair, though not necessarily the way you might think. Their signs suggest that while both are strong willed, Snake Blair is ambitious and shrewd while dog-like Bush is faithful and supportive; eventually the Dog will get fed up and look elsewhere. Blair, take note!

Horse

Year: 1906, 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026

Greatest Affinity : Tiger, Dog

Greatest Enmity : Rat

Horses are hard working, intelligent and friendly creatures who love open spaces, longing for independence and freedom. Horses should learn to develop more self-confidence, as they tend to feel inferior to others. They also make seductive and quick-witted lovers.

Brian Dowling (Horse) and Will Young (Sheep)

Soul Mates: Okay so we made this couple up but these two could do a lot worse than each other! The Horse is supportive while the Sheep is mild mannered and easy going - a match to last a lifetime.

Sheep

Year: 1907, 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027

Greatest Affinity : Rabbit, Boar

Greatest Enmity : Ox

Contrary to common belief sheep aren't followers, just daydreamers! These woolly signs are creative types who tend to worry over things and their artistic temperament makes them a sensitive sign. Sheep should remind themselves that their loved ones will always be there for them but a sheep's partner will have to give a lot of reassurance to calm their insecurities.

Pink (Sheep) and Robbie Williams (Tiger)

Good match: Okay, so we might be going out on a limb here, but as pairings go this one could be good! Pink is a cool headed sheep while Robbie is fiery, strong and domineering. Though their signs reckon that Robbie would be the dominant one, we reckon if they did get together, Pink would give him a run for his money.

Monkey

Year: 1908, 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028

Greatest Affinity : Dragon, Rat

Greatest Enmity : Tiger

Monkeys are the party animals of the Chinese zodiac, always craving stimulation and swinging from one group of friends to another, dazzling them with a sparkling wit. Monkeys love of self-indulgence can get them into trouble at times, but they do make very entertaining partners - if they can stay still long enough.

Richard Madeley (Monkey) and Judy (Rat)

Soul Mates: They might be responsible for some of the most cringeable TV moments, but Richard and Judy are a dynamic combination. Richard's Monkey-like ability to cope with a busy schedule (not to mention the Rat's snide comments) means that TV favourite husband and wife team compete with each other to keep their relationship on track. Bless!

Rooster

Year: 1909, 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029

Greatest Affinity : Ox, Snake

Greatest Enmity : Rabbit

Roosters are quick thinking, practical, observant and sensible. They are very open, trusting souls but won't be taken advantage of due to their uncanny knack of always knowing what is going on around them. Roosters can be loyal, trusting partners but need to stop hen-pecking those loved ones who aren't as perfect as them!

Britney Spears (Rooster) and Justin Timberlake (Rooster)

Sworn enemies: No wonder these two have such an uncertain relationship. Roosters are very critical of others and when two get together there is too much pecking and not enough support.

Dog

Year: 1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030

Greatest Affinity : Tiger, Horse

Greatest Enmity : Dragon

Honest and faithful, loyal and discreet, dogs have a great sense of duty and fight the corner of the underdog, though their strong stance can make them seen narrow-minded or stubborn at times. Dogs are born worriers which means they might have a tough time finding a soul mate as their constant stressing puts people off!

Zoe Ball (Dog) and Fatboy (Rabbit)

Odd Couple: Not a terrible match but not very exciting either. For this match to last the dog needs to be supportive of the Rabbit and the Rabbit needs to appreciate the Dog's honesty.

Pig (Boar)

Year: 1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031

Greatest Affinity : Rabbit, Sheep

Greatest Enmity : Snake

Not the messy, rude creatures they symbolise in the West, Pigs have impeccable manners and taste to the point of snobbishness. Honest and tolerant, Pigs expect the same respect from others and so can often be disappointed. They love finery and riches and make good life partners as they have a heart of gold.

Amanda Holden (Pig) and Les Dennis (Snake)

Sworn enemies: It may seem that it is Amanda who has been the Snake in this relationship but according to Chinese astrology it is Les who is the calculating one while the Pig is left disappointed...