There are many reasons to be miffed that the apocalypse didn't happen in 2012. It would mean no more Kim Kardashian stories, no more Boris Johnson speeches and the end of the annoying opera singer from the Go Compare ads.
For the latter at least, the world's most famous scientist has decided to take matters into his own hands.
Stephen Hawking in the new Go Compare Advert
In what could be the advertising coup of 2013, Professor Stephen Hawking has signed up to appear in an ad for the price comparison website, where he creates a black hole to obliterate the UK's most annoying tenor, Gio Compario.
The former Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge University said: "I confess I am a fan of the Gocompare.com adverts, but I am also an opera fan, so I was delighted to be given the opportunity to help save the nation and silence Gio.
"I hope the public find it as funny as I did."
Fans waking up after a heavy New Years Eve to see the ads on morning TV tweeted their reactions, some amazement, and some horror.
Kevin Hughes, chief finance and marketing officer of Go Compare said in a statement: “Having Professor Hawking take on Gio has been an incredible experience.
"We were thrilled to hear he was a fan of the ads and believe his appearance will really take viewers by surprise.
"The ads have had a huge public reaction to date, and we think this one will really delight Gio fans.”