23:54 Team GB enter the stadium to rapturous applause. Chris Hoy carries the flag and he is in tears. We might be as well... The rest of the team look dazzling. A brilliant opening ceremony - cue the Olympic cauldron lighting and mass fireworks.
22:21 The Olympic teams parade begins with Greece leading the 204 teams around the Olympic stadium.
22:17 A haunting performance by Emeli Sande (looking stunning in bespoke Jonathan Saunders design created to juxtapose the dancers in orange) captivates the Olympic stadium - and television audiences around the world - ahead of the official Olympic teams parade.
22:13DAVID BECKHAM! And he has the Olympic Torch! AND he's a captain of the boat?! This might be the best moment of the entire Olympics proceedings.... (maybe)
21:53 We love a love story, so we're glad the 'technological revolution' section of the Opening Ceremony presents one with a banging soundtrack of decades of music. The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Prodigy, Queen and Sugababes being played, climaxing with a performance by Dizzee Rascal.
21:46 Just when we thought this had got mental enough, Rowan Atkinson arrives to play keyboard whilst fantasising he is part of an Olympic team. Still one of the most hilariously expressive actors in the country. First gold for him?
21:35 A section dedicated to literature achievements in the UK begins honoring Peter Pan author J M Barrie, J.K Rowling reads to the audience. Nightmare versions of Lord Voldermort from the Harry Potter series and Cruella Deville from 101 Dalmations (and possibly Noel Fielding as the Child Catcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang). Fortunately Mary Poppins saves the day and chases the nightmare visions away.
21:32 The National Anthem ring
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Greece begin the parade of athletes at the Olympic Opening Ceremony a the London 2012 Games.
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Emeli Sande wears Jonathan Saunders as she sings in-front of a global audience for the 2012 London Olympic Games Opening Ceremony.
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David Beckham is the captain of the ship as he drives a speedboat with the Olympic flame down the river Thames as part of the 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony Celebrations.
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HRH Queen Elizabeth II arrives at the Olympic Opening Ceremony in London. Having played a Bond Girl to the joy of the nation.
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Olympic Rings forge over the stadium of the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony.
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Bradley Wiggins opens the official 2012 London Olympic Games Opening Ceremony.
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William and Kate arrive at the 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony.
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Red Arrows over the London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony.
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Olympic animals arrive for the 2012 London Games opening ceremony.
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A view from the air of the Olympic stadium ahead of the 2012 London Olympic Games Opening Ceremony.