The Olympic Games will officially kick off tonight with a fantastic opening ceremony, showcasing the incredible sporting action being shown across 16 days.
Claire Balding is set to host the games for the duration alongside a host of other presenters and former Olympic champions.
As the opening ceremony kicked off, Marvel star Tom Hiddleston introduced the history of Paris, France, where the games are being hosted.
The montage began with Hiddleston stepping off the Eurostar and saying in French: “The Olympic Games, let the games begin. Welcome to Paris.”
He continued in English: “This is the story, 100 years in the making, and the next chapter of it starts here, in Paris, the city of Love, because it all starts with love.
“The Olympic journey begins with things that you don’t see. The early wake-ups. The love of someone who believes in you. Practice. Over, and over and over again.
Tom Hiddleston looked back through the 100-year history of the Olympics
BBC
“Day in and day out, year in, year out, all for a chance to stand on top of the world. It’s art. You see, a lot can change in 100 years, but the things we love have been the same forever.
“Watching someone’s dreams come true. Seeing them light up the world and feeling proud of them. Together. So prepare for moments that will light up your eyes, and fill up your heart.
“And together, we will make memories to last another 100 years. Prepare to be part of history. This is the Paris Olympics. Let the games begin.”
Balding was left blown away with the opening speech from the Loki star, and expressed: “Oh wow Tom Hiddleston with such a classy arrival here to the city that will be at the centre for the next 16 days.”
Tom Hiddleston spoke in French to begin and end the montage
BBC
However, not all viewers of the sporting spectacular were impressed with the opening and took to their X accounts to fume over the “waste of license fee” money.
One user fumed: “Well done BBC starting off with a barely audible musical intro followed by the pretty much universally disliked Tom Hiddleston #bbcolympics.”
Someone else agreed: “So how much license fee money was spent (wasted) sending Tom Hiddleston to Paris for this introduction video? An appalling waste of money that should be spent on covering the sport #BBCOlympics.”
“#BBCOlympics already spoiled for me, 30 secs in, because of that pompous ick,” another added before a fourth exclaimed: “Not sure what the point of getting Tom Hiddleston on to open the show… Waste of money in my opinion.”
Claire Balding is at the helm for presenting the games
BBC
Another penned: “Tom Hiddleston opening the Olympics Ceremony was not needed at all… Just start like any normal sporting event.”
Not all were left unimpressed, as one excited viewer praised: “What an opening from Tom Hiddleston, goosebumps #BBCOlympics.”
“That BBC intro was wonderful #BBCOlympics #TeamGB,” someone agreed. (sic)
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