Rehearsing again...

All of my Opening Ceremony gang will recognise this picture. This is the huge Big Top that is the rehearsal venue for the Olympic Games. It sits in the car park of the Ford plant in Dagenham and is the place where many dreams start. Either side of the tent is a 'FOP' (Field of Play) model where we rehearse. The tent is where all are bags, costumes and technical kit are held but we rehearse in all weather conditions outside.

I was nervous about returning today without my G&P friends but I had nothing to worry about. There's something about the sprite of the volunteers that makes them the friendliest group of people I've ever met. Im going to be a 'Flag Escort' on the night and we did our first run through today in our show shoes which are really painful. I had my costume fitting and my first thoughts were a cross between Michael Jackson's Thriller (jacket), the Virgin Atlantic advert (colour and make-up) and a shopping trip to Primark (material and sparkle)! I'd love to hear what you think when you see them. They will look great on the night and I'll be very proud to wear it. The role is very different and when we all strut along in our line it does remind me of a Miss World contest for some reason. I wont tell you anything about the show but I think its going to be brilliant. I dont think anything will compare to the scale of the Opening show but this has a real party atmosphere about it.

I arrived home about 7pm and just in time for the gold rush. It was so emotional to watch and I'm so proud of Great Britain and its fantastic athletes. The atmosphere in London is electric and the number of people on the tube with flags and GB tops is overwhelming. Go Team GB!


Olympic Ceremony Rehearsal Venue, Dagenham