Olympics closing ceremony LIVE: Tom Cruise stars in Paris 2024 finale

“All the travel books will tell you to avoid Paris in August – it’s too crowded, too hot and everything is shut.

“Well, perhaps, these last two weeks have taught us to forget all those stereotypes about the French, with their smiling waiters, reliable public transport and cooling rain.

“And as for their great summer tradition of strikes and riots, unfortunately that moved a little closer to home.

“Whisper it quietly but Paris saw London 2012 and raised it.”

Final reflections on Paris 2024, by James Toney.

A wonderful rendition of My Way from Yseult, followed by a final, spectacular firework display, around the roof of the Parc des Princes, brings the night to a close.

Well done, Paris. You did do the Olympics your way, and it was brilliant.

That was perfect from LA. They got just who they wanted to kick start the party ahead of 2028!

Now we’re back to Paris, as Leon Marchand finally completes his long walk with the Olympic flame.

He is cradling the lantern so carefully!

Thomas Bach declares the Olympics of Paris 2024 are closed… and Marchand blows out the flame to symbolise it!

Over to 2028: Paris, you have been superb, Los Angeles you have a big act to follow.

Time for the MVP of Paris 2024. He’s been everywhere in Paris, but now he’s back home!

Snoop Dogg takes to the stage in Long Beach, with Drop it Like It’s Hot.

AND HE’S GOT DR DRE ON STAGE TOO!

Two West Coast legends, reuniting once again for The Next Episode.

Compton, Long Beach, Inglewood, South Central out to the Westside, It’s California Love.

Over to their left, by a beach hut, it’s Billie Eilish!

Eilish looks effortlessly cool in the LA heat, with a baseball cap and Ralph Lauren polo as she sings Birds of a Feather.

With the Olympic flag now delivered to Long Beach with help from Michael Johnson, we’re in LA now, bright blue sky, golden beach…

… and the Red Hot Chili Peppers!

The party has moved on from Paris to LA.

Ok this is getting wild now. Tom Cruise sets off through the streets, meeting a jumbo jet at a hanger.

The heist of the Olympic flag complete, he skydives over the Californian hills and into the north Los Angeles.

He covers the Hollywood sign with the Olympic rings!

TOM CRUISE IS ON THE ROOF TOM CRUISE IS ON THE ROOF

Top Gun launches himself into the Stade de France, what an entrance!

He is mobbed by athletes befroe leaping onto the stage, he shakes hands with Simone Biles, picks up the Olympic flag…

and then… and then… TAKES OFF ON A MOTORBIKE

Ok yeah it’s America time. A guitar-filled, power-ballad of the United States national anthem now fills Paris, as H.E.R. belts out the words.

She nails it! What a start.