The countdown's begun for the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics, which starts at 9 o'clock.

A worldwide TV audience of a billion people is expected tonight.

We know cyclist Sir Chris Hoy will carry the British flag into the stadium, but it's not yet clear who will light the Olympic flame at the venue.

Sir Roger Bannister - the first man to run a four minute mile - and rower Sir Steve Redgrave - are the favourites, following the music and dance spectacular.

Oscar winning film director Danny Boyle's the creative director behind it.