While most were watching the Olympic closing ceremony from the comfort of their sofa, one Borehamwood woman was thrust into the limelight and danced in the production.
Melanie Franklin, of Studio Way, was one of thousands of dancers selected to mark the end of the Games, after a successful audition earlier this year.
The mum-of-one, who described the production as ‘spectacular’, was dressed as a dinner lady in a green costume and spent half an hour dancing at a mock street party.
She said: “I was dancing right by the running track. Days ago history was made there – and then I was dancing there. It felt so crazy but so electric.
“It was just out of this world – the Olympics won’t be here again in our life time and I am so happy I got to be a part of it all.
“The stadium was amazing. Everyone was so upbeat and excited about the whole thing.”
Some spectators at the event had shelled out thousands of pounds to be there, whilst 26 million others tuned into BBC1 to watch it on TV.
The show was choreographed by dancer Kim Gavin, with the help of his two assistants, Nathan and Gareth.
Mrs Franklin, who used to dance professionally, said she is very grateful to her husband, Adam, who babysat 19-month-old Sadie whilst she spent time at rehearsals.
The PE teacher also got the chance to meet her childhood idols, Take That stars Mark Owen and Jason Owen.
She also spent the evening mingling with the Spice Girls, Russell Brand, Madness, One Direction and Emilie Sandé.
“I was really pleased to see Take That – I absolutely adored them when I was younger and still do. The Spice Girls were brilliant too and very friendly.
“Friends and family were messaging me saying they saw me on TV. It was just such a surreal experience.”
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