The demands of Olympic music

The Grammy award winning father-of-three, whose mum Rita still lives in Leagrave, said: “My job is part composer, producer, curator and arranger.

“Like any project, I’ve found it best to just write and not consider the enormity of the event, as that is quite intimidating.”

David, 50, has put together a few original pieces for the finale which is being called A Symphony of British Music.

He claimed composing for such an iconic event was no different from creating a movie soundtrack: “Each has its own particular set of demands.

“Ultimately it comes down to sitting in a room with a keyboard, alone, trying to put into the real world all the thoughts I have had.”

He’s still reeling with delight at his appointment as director of music.

“It’s a huge honour,” he said.

“The chances of the Games coming to your own country and for you to be in a position where you would even be considered – never mind asked – to do the job are so small it doesn’t bear thinking about.

“It’s very much the opportunity of a lifetime.”

David – who will shortly appear on a weekly BBC panel show with Matt Lucas – admits he was hopeless at sport, even though his father George was an Irish international boxer and his mum boasts a mixed martial arts black belt.

After the Olympics, he intends working on ideas for the charity Care International.