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David Beckham will have role in opening ceremony for London Olympics - but will not light torch

The Olympic Stadium is pictured during previews for the opening ceremony
The Olympic Stadium is pictured during previews for the opening ceremony

David Beckham is expected to be one of the final torch bearers inside the Olympic Stadium for the opening ceremony on Friday - but he will not be lighting the flame.

Beckham confirmed that he will have a part in the ceremony and that a flame might be involved. It is understood that the 37-year-old will not be the person who lights the cauldron.

The opening ceremony is set to have a final torch relay inside the stadium, with sports stars, former Olympians and others selected for their contribution to the London Games carrying the torch before the flame is lit.

The identity of the person who will actually light the flame remains a closely-guarded secret.

Beckham told CNN: "I'm excited to be part of such a huge occasion for our country.

"It's exciting to have the Games in the east end of London and I'm very honoured to be part of that."

Asked if a flame was involved, Beckham added: "I think I might have one aboard." 

Beckham was part of the London bid team that won the right to host the Games in Singapore in 2005 and he said he was proud to see the Olympics actually happening in his home city.

"It was seven years when this whole process started and to bring the Games to the part of London where I grew up is so exciting," he said.

"I was at the stadium yesterday and it really is incredible to see the changes that have happened there and around about.

"There will be a few events I'm hoping to get to and take my kids to so it should be fun."

Meanwhile, IOC member Dick Pound warned London 2012 organisers of the danger of the opening ceremony march-past becoming a "shambles" if athletes spent too much time taking photos and posting them on social media sites.

London 2012 chairman Sebastian Coe responded saying: "I hear what you say and we do need to keep teams marching without spoiling the atmosphere.

"I would appeal for any help that national Olympic committees can give us to get through this in a way that is respectful but still allows us to maintain momentum."

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