A perfect end to a perfect Games

It seemed fitting that to mark the end of what has been 16 fantastic days of sporting achievement, patriotism and happiness in London and across Great Britain, the Olympics would go out with a bang. And what an almighty bang it was!

Over 24 million people in Great Britain watched the closing finale to what has been a fantastic games in London, with all the athletes, thousands of fans, Royals from across the world, hundreds of performers and even a handful of volunteers all descending on the Olympic Stadium to celebrate the end of London 2012.

The plans for the ceremony were kept under wraps from most of the media beforehand, but with the theme focusing on the British music industry, it was safe to say we were going to be treated to some of Britain’s most famous artists.

From Ray Davies of the Kinks to Jessie J, the crowd were in for a real treat as stars from across the decades joined together for arguably the biggest party London has and will ever see. Madness, Pet Shop Boys, Taio Cruz, Tinie Tempah and a miming One Direction also performed at the ceremony, which mixed spectacular dance and light elements with fantastic music to create a cheesy, disco atmosphere.

Stand out performances came from a reformed, one-night-only Spice Girls who arrived in style on top of their own black cabs. I admit that I am struggling to get the lyrics to Spice up your Life out of my head!

George Michael, who has just recovered from a near-fatal health scare, performed two songs at the ceremony, later followed by The Who and Take That. My heart went out to Gary Barlow, who performed at the Olympics despite his recent personal problems.

Besides dancing, the spectators were treated to a fabulous display of Britain’s best fashion designers, modelled by stars such as Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell. There were sing-along’s from Eric Idle, surprise appearances from Del Boy and Rodney and Timothy Spall (playing a rather convincing Winston Churchill) and a fantastic ballet display from new Strictly Come Dancing judge Darcey Bussell.

The traditional handover to Brazil also gave us a taste of what’s to come in four years time, as dancers and performers from Rio demonstrated the party atmosphere that Brazil is known for in a colourful, samba-enthused sketch.

But even Brazil looked in awe at the fantastic spectacle of London’s closing ceremony. With the cauldron burning for a final time, the fireworks lit up over London in a spectacular display that symbolised everything these Games have been; exciting, spectacular and full of surprises. With a tearful tribute going out to all the athletes, volunteers and the public, Lord Coe was not the only one who was wishing the whole two weeks of sporting legacy could happen again.

London will miss the Olympics, but the legacy has been laid and in true British fashion, the closing ceremony certainly showed the world that we Brits know how to throw a good send off party!

Compare the closing ceremony with my review of the opening ceremony.

Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia

NTA Awards: And the award goes to...

Soap stars, reality TV veterans and TV personalities descended onto the 02 Arena last night for one of televisions prestigious events; the National Television Awards. The NTA’s see some of Britain’s greatest small screen stars – and many others we would rather forget – gather together to celebrate the previous year’s best TV moments.

But who are the real winners at the NTA’s? It seems that, behind the cleavage, fake tan and ball gowns is an award show that simply does not add up. If the awards last night taught me anything, it is that either the British television in this country has gone downhill, or the people who vote for these programmes are morons.

But first, there were a few winners that deserved to win. As much as it pains me to say it, Coronation Street deserved to win Most Popular Serial Drama. Finally stealing the crown from Eastenders, it seemed bittersweet for the Manchester based soap opera, who poignantly dedicated the gong to the late Betty Driver. Although I am a firm fan of Eastenders, the last year has been disastrous for the soap. Losing iconic cast members – Lacey Turner, Barbara Windsor, Pam St.Clement  - and storylines which leave viewers confused and often angry. Wins for Outnumbered and Celebrity Juice were probably earned fair and square to. And although I have not watched it, judging by the popularity of the show, Downton Abbey also deserved its award for Most Popular Drama.

But besides this, it was a night of shock and surprise, and not in a good way. Because in nearly every other category, the award was given to the wrong person, and left me confused and bewildered at the winners. Now these might be my own opinion, and yes I am slightly biased towards the BBC, but I am sure you will agree with me on some of the awards.  

For one, it was dominated by ITV programmes. A coincidence perhaps? The show was hosted by an ITV presenter, screened on ITV and the awards were presented by many ITV stars. So naturally, the awards would go to them?

Well, it is voted by the British public. A few months ago, I was sent an email – again, glistening with familiar ITV faces – and voted for who I thought deserved an award. Yet none of the people I voted for won a single award.

But anyway, it is not about whom I wanted to win; it is more about who the audience wanted to win. But looking at the nomination list, and comparing it to the actual winners, it just does not seem to add up. Despite numerous controversies last year matched by falling viewing figures, The X Factor won the Best Reality Programme gong, despite Strictly Come Dancing dominating its ITV rival. Most Popular Factual Programming – if you can call it Factual – went to This Morning, another key ITV show. Awards also went to Katherine Kelly of Corrie and I’m A Celebrity, although the latter thankfully fought off TOWIE to win, so there is some hope for the future of British Television.

Or is there? Because more ITV figureheads picked up other key awards, with three awards being solely chosen by the NTA’s, and not the audience. The Landmark Achievement Award went to comic and new BGT judge David Walliams, presumably because he has just made the landmark achievement of becoming another fool to step into the jaws of Simon Cowell. Jonathan Ross won the Special Recognition Award – celebrating his 25 years on air, minus the three months for which he was suspended. And surprise surprise, a third award went to X Factor protégé Gary Barlow, who won the Outstanding Contribution Award. Yes, the musician who contributed superbly to the X Factor this year, which saw over 3 million viewers switch off.

And at the top of the ITV award cabinet, perched next to the ten other dusty figurines, stands the Most Popular Entertainment Presenter, which went to – yep you guessed it – Ant & Dec, for the eleventh consecutive year in a row. Despite the duo presenting three shows last year which all caused controversy in the media (Britain’s Got Talent, Red or Black, I’m a Celeb), they still manage to cling on to their precious gong; even admitting they find the whole thing hilarious. Change the record already Britain, why can't these two goons be moved to Room 101? Seemed desperate enough that host Dermot O’Leary was telling his Twitter followers to vote for the pair. The fact that the host of the show is also up for an award seems wrong anyway.

What it comes down to is an award show dogged by controversy, rigged by a broadcaster who longs for approval from the British public. Although some of the awards were rightly deserved, questions remain on the others. And with only 6 million viewers watching the event, nearly half of the audience in previous years, is anyone really taking the awards seriously? Apart from the immature teens and Jeremy Kyle mums who love to vote for this kind of rubbish.

Pictures Courtesy of Wikipedia