David Beckham's role in the opening ceremony has finally been revealed, with the footballer playing a prominent part in helping to bring the Olympic torch to the stadium.

Beckham featured flying down the River Thames in a speedboat alongside young footballer Jane Bailey as they brought the torch to the Olympic Stadium.

The English football star's role in the ceremony had been shrouded in mystery. He had long insisted he had no wish to light the torch itself, believing that honour belonged to an Olympian.

Beckham's Olympic journey came full circle after he was part of the delegation that secured the Games for London in Singapore seven years ago.