Photos. Videos - Olympics Closing Ceremony 2012

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Last year he found himself critically ill in hospital but tonight George Michael proved that he was back to his very best.

The 49-year-old took to the stage at the London 2012 Olympic Closing Ceremony and gave a fantastic performance that the crowd certainly enjoyed.

Singing with a hoard of backing singers, George belted out his well-known hit Faith and appeared to be enjoying the experience thoroughly.

Back to his best: George Michael owns the stage as he performs at the London 2012 Olympic Closing Ceremony

Wearing a pair of jeans, a leather jacket and a large skull buckle belt, the Wham star accompanied his vocals with non-stop dance moves.

He completed his look with a pair of dark sunglasses as he covered the entirety of the stage and took in the crowd.

It was certainly a triumphant return to the UK stage for George with tonight being his first performance since his near fatal bout of pneumonia which forced him to cancel his Symphonica tour late last year.


Hands up! The singer began his performance by singing Freedom



Smart guy: The British guy chose to wear a leather jacket, dark jeans and a shiny skull buckle belt



Loving it! The crowd certainly enjoyed George's singing and dancing

Following his near-fatal experience, George penned his latest single, White Light, which he also sang tonight while continuing with his impressive dance moves.
Another impressive performance came from Annie Lennox who stood out at the stadium as she arrived aboard a ship.

Wearing a black and red basque and a trailing netted skirt, the blonde singer completed her look with smokey eye make-up as she sang to the crowd.

Comeback: George performed Freedom as well as his new single White Light


Different look: Annie Lennox made her way to the centre of the stadium on a large pirate-esque ship



Wowing the crowd: The blonde singer wore a black and red basque and heavy eye make-up

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2187471/George-Michael-owns-stage-London-2012-Olympic-Closing-Ceremony-singing-Freedom.html#ixzz23O4Q2Y8e

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'Gold medal for phone throwing': Twitter backlash at appearance of Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell after Olympics Stadium was turned into a giant catwalk

• Moss who has been involved in controversies involving her alleged cocaine abuse was branded an 'overpaid drug abusing model'
• Campbell - known for hurling mobile phones - prompted raised eyebrows, too in a ceremony supposedly celebrating the Olympic ideal
• Piers Morgan wrote on Twitter: 'I suspect Kate Moss might fail her drugs test later'

They are some of fashion’s best known names.

But the appearance of Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell provoked an instant Twitter backlash last night.

There was also ridicule on Twitter at the inclusion of supermodel Moss – who has been involved in controversies involving her alleged cocaine abuse - and was branded an ‘overpaid drug abusing model’.


Controversial: The appearance of Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell provoked an instant Twitter backlash last night






History: Both supermodels have been involved in controversies over the years


Star-studded: Kate Moss (4th left, front), Naomi Campbell (4th right), Lily Cole (L), Alessandra Ambrosio (centre-rear), Jourdan Dunn (3rd right) Karen Elson (2nd left, rear), Georgia May Jagger (2nd right), David Gandy (right) and Stella Tennant (2nd left front)


And the simultaneous entry of always controversial Campbell - known for hurling mobile phones - prompted raised eyebrows, too in a ceremony supposedly celebrating the Olympic ideal.

More...

• Feeling sad about the end of the Games? Eric Idle leads 80,000 crowd in rendition of Always Look on the Bright Side of Life
• The greatest disco on Earth! Pixel animations turn Olympic Stadium into psychedelic light show
• David Cameron and Boris Johnson just can't help dad dancing as they watch the Spice Girls perform
• Wrapping things up in style! A newspaper-covered London and Timothy Spall as Churchill kick off a very British end to the Games
• King of the Closing Ceremony: Prince Harry is joined by Kate as he takes centre stage as the top Royal

Piers Morgan wrote on twitter: ‘I suspect Kate Moss might fail her drugs test later.’

Jojo Mayes wrote: ‘Naomi Campbell: gold medal in phone throwing’, while Charles Arthur wrote: ‘Kate Moss! Who represents the Olympic ideals of not doing drugs, or smoking, and achieving lots. Work with me here.


Glittering gold: The models all strutted around on the stage, reminiscent of a catwalk




Nine British supermodels including Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss wearing bespoke creations by iconic British fashion designers



Centre stage: Some Twitter users said that the inclusion of the supermodels was the 'antidote' to recent positive Olympic coverage of women

One Twitter user, Rob Hearn, added: ‘What’s great about the Olympics is that it’s about people of substance rather than vacuous celebri- oh, never mind’

Alex Rushmer said: ‘After two weeks of seeing the most positive role models slogging their guts out, this vacuous celebrity b******* is just the antidote’ while Lauren Rutherford said: ‘The vacuous and self-obsessed fashion industry there, in stark contrast to the hundreds of amazing people surrounding them.
Others were surprised to see former spice girl Victoria Beckham taking her place on the list of showcased designers with Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen.


Raised questions: Campbell - known for hurling mobile phones - prompted raised eyebrows, too in a ceremony supposedly celebrating the Olympic ideal






Gold glitters adorns the stage that the catwalk models strutted down




Model pose: Naomi Campbell strikes a pose against a vivid purple background

Mrs Beckham – who only launched her fashion range in 2007 - was included on a supposedly selective list of the finest fashion designers the country has ever produced.

Only nine of the very best – namely Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Christopher Kane, Burberry, Erdem, Jonathan Saunders, Stephen Jones and Paul Smith -were featured.
With her fashions only a few years old – and receiving lukewarm reviews among some critics – observers will question whether her presence on the list is little more than a giant advert.

There was a supermodel for each great British fashion designer featured in the fashion segment, with Georgia May Jagger modelling Beckham’s wares.

Eleven cutters and designers are reported to help Mrs Beckham to design the clothes lines that bear her name.


On show: In a long sparkling golden dress Kate Moss took her place on a elevated platform






Show girl: Kate Moss pout and throws her hair back during the performance


And the results have received mixed reviews in the fashion world.

There have been accusations that the designs are seriously overpriced, with dresses in her mainline brand costing around £1,650 each, and a pair of leather leggings bearing her name once priced at £1250.

One of her lines- entitled, ‘Victoria, Victoria Beckham’ – was recently marketed as being affordable and good value for money.

But the marketing caused ridicule when it emerged that a sleeveless wool shift dress cost £500 while a long-sleeved day dress cost £750.

She has also been criticized for marketing herself as a ‘British’ designer while having her clothes made overseas in Morocco and Portugal, instead of in Britain.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2187447/London-2012-Twitter-backlash-appearance-Kate-Moss-Naomi-Campbell-Olympics-Stadium-turned-giant-catwalk.html#ixzz23O4kUQwM

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He's known for his rather eccentric style but tonight Russell Brand appeared to have taken inspiration from Willy Wonka himself.
The 37-year-old comedian took to the stage at the London 2012 Olympic Closing Ceremony wearing black and purple striped trousers and a matching top hat.
Singing his own version of The Beatles hit, I am The Walrus, Russell had no doubt chosen his own attire for the once-in-a-lifetime performance.

Wacky style: Russell Brand performed at the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony wearing a black and purple striped top hat and matching trousers

Naturally, the funnyman was surrounded by an array of glamorous women as he rode to the centre of the Olympic Stadium on a psychedelic mini bus as he sang using a megaphone.
Russell teamed his striped clothing with a long back blazer that included tails and wore a patterned waistcoat underneath.
Once he's finished his unusual performance of the 1967 hit, the British star introduced Fatboy Slim who really got the crowd going by performing his well-known tune Right Here, Right Now.

What an entrance! The comedian arrived on top of a psychedelic mini bus and sang using a mega phone



Getting the crowd going: Russell introduced Fatboy Slim who performed his hit song Right Here, Right Now

Russell was spotted hanging out with Norman Cook earlier on in the day as they rehearsed their routines.
It's normally women who make a fuss of their hair, but Russell was seen fussing over his this afternoon.

The comedian was spotted having his hair seen to by a female member of his team who appeared to be trying to untangle a few knots.

Catching up: The comedian was spotted hanging out with Norman Cook earlier on in the day



Getting ready: Russell was spotted having his hair seen to as he rehearsed his routine


Wearing his trademark grey skinny jeans, a light blue vest and scuffed up boots, the funnyman appeared to be in good spirits as he larked around with the team backstage.

Russell was spotted swigging on a bottle of water before posing with members of staff for a photo.

Ouch! The woman appeared to be trying to untangle the comedian's hair






Feeling nervous? The 37-year-old was gearing up for his routine, which will no doubt have the audience laughing


Rock out! Russell is said to be performing a comedy version of the Sex Pistols¿ song Pretty Vacant

No doubt Russell's new girlfriend Isabella Brewster was somewhere in the crowd after following her beau to London this week.
The former Big Brother's Big Mouth host was spotted spending some quality time with his U.S. girlfriend over the past few days where he took her out to Soho and the Tate Modern.

Showing her support: Russell's new girlfriend Isabella Brewster has followed him to London and will no doubt be watching tonight

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2187387/Russell-Brand-channels-Willy-Wonka-striped-trousers-performs-Olympic-closing-ceremony.html#ixzz23O4wKLk0

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A newspaper-covered London and Timothy Spall as Churchill for a very British end to the Games

Opening scene of London in rush hour helped celebrate the UK's Press tradition
Street scene included roadworkers and lollipop ladies
Replicas of Big Ben, the Eye, St Paul's and Battersea Power Station were part of the newspaper-covered city



Britain is known the world over for its literary heritage and journalistic tradition so it was only fitting that the closing ceremony wrapped things up in style - by covering the entire set in old newspapers.

Mini replicas of Big Ben, the Eye, St Paul's and Battersea Power Station were all covered in newspapers and unveiled in an eerie blue light as the crowd was introduced to an early morning London scene at sunrise.

Workers dressed in newspapers emerged from the centre of the stage and started to swamp the city streets as the ceremony proceeded to show viewers through the streets of London at rush hour.



Read all about it!: The stage was turned into a mini replica of London on top of a giant Union Jack flag - all covered in newspaper



A way with words: A lollipop lady escorts some newspaper clad children along a miniature Southbank



Streets of London: Car and bikes were covered in newspapers as extra created a scene of rush hour London


Play a song for me: British singer Emili Sande performing next to a paper piano

A series of ramps - covering the track where Mo Farah and Jessica Ennis made history - formed a black and white Union Jack also covered in newspaper, the first of many versions of the flag to feature in the extravaganza.
A print-wrapped traffic jam comes to life, as a series of newspaper-clad vehicles, including taxis, trucks and mopeds, honking their horns and revving their engines as they travelled around the lanes of the flag.

More...

• Take a bow London! How capital took Olympics to its heart and stunning landmarks made the perfect backdrop for gold
• The stars of the greatest show: Thousands of athletes descend through spectators to take a bow as flags of every nation to compete at Olympics are paraded
• Our greatest Games: The record-breaking fortnight for Team GB that saw the men and women clinch 29 Olympic gold medals
• 'The most important race of all': Mo Farah vows to tackle child hunger as he goes to Number 10

The montage of newspaper headlines were chosen to show the connection between Britain's literary past and its tabloid present with classic lines from Geoffrey Chaucer, William Wordsworth, Jane Austen, and Charles Dickens.
Quotes from the earliest surviving Anglo-Saxon poetry to current poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy, with extracts from Shakespeare and Milton were flashed up on the big screen along the way.

The classic sayings shown on the big screens included 'All the world's a stage,' or 'Neither a borrower nor a lender be' and 'We are such stuff as dreams are made of.'

Smokingly good: Timothy Spall smokes a cigar while playing Winston Churchill on the top of Big Ben


Wrapping it up: Actor Timothy Spall poses as Sir Winston Churchill atop Big Ben next to other London landmarks including St Paul's and Battersea Power Station


Big send off: Hundreds of extras encouraged the cheering crowd by waving flags as they moved around the stadium



Musical words: Emeli Sande performing Read All About It as she is driven around on a newspaper-covered truck with an image of Queen Elizabeth I among the cuttings

Unwrapped on a newspaper rubbish truck, singer Emeli Sande, who performed in the opening ceremony, delighted the crowds with hit song Read All About It as other newspaper glad extras waved Union Jack flags in an explosive contrast of colours.
Forty members from the percussion group Stomp then emerged to swing from the scaffolding, playing models of the capital's landmarks including Big Ben and the London Eye, as if they were instruments.

Winston Churchill, played by King's Speech actor Timothy Spall, stood atop Big Ben reciting the same lines from Shakespeare's The Tempest which helped open the Games 16 days ago: 'Be not afeard: the isle is full of noises.'

'The isle is full of noises': Actor Timothy Spall as Winston Churchill recited lines from Shakespeare's The Tempest



Driving through London: Black cabs drove down the lanes of a giant Union Jack flag accompanied by city workers and shoppers

As the deafening noise grew to a crescendo, Churchill brought the worldwide audience's focus to the royal box as a fanfare announced the arrival of Prince Harry and International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge.

As Union flags were waved from car windows, the packed stadium was led in the British National Anthem by the London Symphony Orchestra and the Urban Voices Collective.

Newspapers figured strongly in the backdrop of the London Olympics closing ceremony as a fitting conclusion to the opening ceremony which heavily featured historical literature.

From classical to pop: An artist plays the cello during the closing ceremony, which celebrated music across the centuries, as well as the decades



Flying the flag: The bright colours of the Union Jacks being waved and on the set floor provided a sharp contrast to the white and black newspaper print



Bang on: Stomp performs in front of the London skyline stage set

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2187423/Wrapping-things-style-Timothy-Spall-appears-Churchill-amid-newspaper-covered-London-beginning-Closing-Ceremony.html#ixzz23O5MLVrc

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Del Boy and Rodney stage escape from iconic Reliant Robin dressed as Batman and Robin (... but they were only supposed to blow the bloody doors off)


Comedy sketch a tribute to the most famous episode of Only Fools and Horses and classic British film The Italian Job
Recreated scene where Del Boy and Rodney become real-life crime fighters while in Batman and Robin fancy dress



Everyone remembers that scene from Only Fools and Horses where Del Boy and Rodney donned too tight Batman and Robin outfits... Well, they do in the UK at least.

And while the rest of the world may have been baffled why two men were driving a battered old van in the middle of the Olympic Stadium, it did give the British crowd a laugh, with even the Royal attendees Prince Harry and Kate obviously amused.

In typically British humour, the classic Only Fools and Horses scene that sees Del Boy played by David Jason and Rodney played by Nicolas Lyndhurst becoming real-life crime fighters while dressed as the comic heroes for a fancy dress party was recreated with a bang in the stadium.

'You plonker!': Del Boy and Rodney's Reliant Robin - complete with the 'Trotters Independent Trading Co' written on the side - drives on to the stage with an overheating engine



Off with a bang: The battered old van then blew up as scenes from the movie The Italian Job were shown on big screens around the stadium



'You were only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!': The sketch was a mix of the classic British film The Italian Job and the most popular episode of the Only Fools and Horses TV show

The old bright yellow Reliant Robin was driven on to the stage before it suddenly exploded as the two characters dressed as Batman and Robin jumped out.
Michael Caine's classic 1969 film The Italian Job with the famous line: 'You were only supposed to blow the bloody doors off' was shown on the big screens at the same time as 1980s pop stars Madness singing one of their most popular hits, Our House.

More...

• The REAL stars of the greatest show on Earth: Athletes parade into the Olympic stadium carrying flags of every nation in Union
• King of the Closing Ceremony: Prince Harry is joined by Kate as he takes centre stage as the top Royal
• Take a bow London! How capital took Olympics to its heart and stunning landmarks made the perfect backdrop for gold
• Our greatest Games: The record-breaking fortnight for Team GB that saw the men and women clinch 29 Olympic gold medals

Echoing the song's original video, saxophonist Lee Thompson was lifted to play solo high above the track.
More than 21 million viewers watched in 1996 when the comic pair ended the 13th series of the eternally popular sitcom Only Fools and Horses based in a London tower block dressed up as the comic pair.

Even Prince Harry and the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton couldn't help but laugh at the sketch inspired by the typically British sense of humour that made the series so popular.


'Who dares wins': Performers dressed up as Batman and Robin from an episode of the Only Fools and Horses make a run for it



Lovely jubbly: Batman and Robin then rushed off the stage to go and fight some local crime... or to get changed



Do the Mobot: The Only Fools and Horses sketch was performed along to Madness playing Our House as the lead singer Graham McPherson paid homage to Mo Farah by doing the Mobot


Having a laugh: Prince Harry and Kate Duchess of Cambridge laughing at the sketch

The funny sketch was reminiscent of the opening ceremony when the Queen filmed a sketch with James Bond actor Daniel Craig appearing to show her jumping out a helicopter and parachuting into the Olympic stadium.

One person joked on Twitter that a NBC Commentator on the Olympics told his American viewers: 'That is not actually Batman but a British folk hero known as Del Boy. Sort of like Robin Hood'.
The music then continued right through the show with a host of great British music acts and songs, including Oasis, Annie Lennox, Kaiser Chiefs, the Spice Girls and George Michael.
But that wasn't the last comedy moment for the crowd after home-made flying machines made several attempts to get off the ground as a would-be rocket man played by Monty Python comedian Eric Idle collapsed under the stage - only to return to lead the crowds in a new version of Always Look On The Bright Side of Life.




Iconic: Del Boy and Rodney with their Reliant Robin, left, which apparently suffered the same fate as the Italian Job can, right, during the Closing Ceremony


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2187466/The-Peckham-Job-Del-Boy-Rodney-stage-escape-iconic-Reliant-Robin-dressed-Batman-Robin---supposed-blow-bloody-doors-off.html#ixzz23O5hqQT8