IN the end, it wasn’t a big name who lit the Olympic flame.
With the ceremony over-running by an hour, seven unknown youngsters had the task of igniting the Games.
Olympic rowing legend Sir Steve Redgrave — the bookies’ favourite to light the flame — received the torch from England football hero David Beckham, who carried it to the stadium on a boat along the Thames.
Marvel ... giant Olympic Flame blazing at the stadium early this morning
NEW GROUP
Sir Steve was then given a guard of honour by 500 workers who had helped build the stadium.
The 6ft 5ins rowing star — who won five Olympic gold medals — then ran into the venue, where seven nominated young athletics hopefuls were waiting.
Lap of the world ... international teams parade last night
Fellow Olympic heroes long jumper Lynn Davies, swimmer Duncan Goodhew, runner Dame Kelly Holmes, pentathlete Dame Mary Peters, sailor Shirley Robertson, decathlete Daley Thompson and Sir Steve hugged the excited youngsters, who they had nominated for the honour.
Callum Airlie, 17, Jordan Duckitt, 18, Desiree Henry, 16, Katie Kirk, 18, Cameron MacRitchie, 19, Aidan Reynolds, 18, and Adelle Tracey, 19, were handed their own torches by the sporting stars.
The Hoy done good ... Sir Chris Hoy leads the British team to a ticker tape welcome last night
The flickering fire then dramatically ignited 205 more flames which converged on a single “flame of unity” in the centre of the arena.
Sprint champ ... Usain Bolt leads Jamaican athletes
As the flames converged to huge cheers, the roof of the glittering white stadium erupted in fireworks before Sir Paul McCartney closed the show with a rousing rendition of Hey Jude. It was the perfect end to the most breathtaking Opening Ceremony in Olympic history.
Golden wonder ... Olympic rings sparkle with fireworks during the opening ceremony last night
The 80,000 fans inside the stadium and the billions watching on TV had already witnessed an incredible start to the 2012 Games.
Highlights included The Queen playing herself in a James Bond spoof before a lookalike dropped into the arena from a helicopter by parachute.
On stage ... Sir Paul McCartney last night
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Rowan Atkinson’s comic creation Mr Bean also performed a sidesplitting rendition of Chariots of Fire with the London Symphony Orchestra and a spoof of the film’s famous beach scene.
After artistic director Danny Boyle’s epic first half concluded, members from all 205 competing nations emerged onto the track, led by Greece, the Olympics’ spiritual home.
Arrival at Stadium ... Sir Steve Redgrave
There was one moment of controversy when an elderly German official sparked astonishment by waving to the team with what appeared to be a Nazi salute. Usain Bolt led out Jamaica. The sprint superstar raised a huge cheer as he waved and pointed to the crowd and strutted along the track.
Comic ... Rowan Atkinson plays Chariots Of Fire
BBC
Then, finally, 90 minutes after the competitors’ rollcall, Sir Chris Hoy led Team GB out, dressed in white with golden hoods.
Honour ... Sir Steve Redgrave with flame and the seven unknown youngsters
A band of drummers brought up the rear of the breathtaking procession before the Arctic Monkeys burst onto the stage with a blistering performance of I Bet You Look Good on the DanceFloor and the sky was filled with fireworks overhead.
The stands turned red, white and blue then the lights dimmed as a peloton of white-winged cyclists pedalled around the track — illuminated by UV lights — as the rockers blasted out the Beatles hit Come Together.
Spectacular ... view from outside stadium
It was a truly historic night. Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee, told the crowd: “For the first time, all the participating countries will have female athletes and this is a major boost for gender equality.”
Lord Coe last night said: “I have never been so proud to be British.”
Intense ... fire show
Cycling star and Team GB flag bearer Sir Chris Hoy tweeted: "WOW! So lucky to have experienced that, what a privilege. A moment I will remember forever."
BBC host Gary Lineker said: "The opening ceremony was bold, it was bonkers, it was brilliant ... and it was British. Bravo, Mr Boyle! Let the Games begin!"
Awe inspiring ... fireworks converge
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