Mr Bean plays iconic ‘Chariots of Fire’ with London Symphony Orchestra at 2012 Olympics Ceremony

As cameras panned over the Olympic Stadium, and broadcasters introduced Sir Simon Rattle and his London Symphony Orchestra to the London 2012 Opening Ceremony, we all thought we were in for a world-class performance of Vangelis’ Chariots of Fire.

But that night, an unusual British pairing came together to create a timeless moment of music and comedy.

Homing in on the pianist, the camera revealed comedy giant Rowan Atkinson, under the guise of his most famous character Mr Bean.

Immediately, a global audience began snickering as Atkinson was tasked with carrying the steady, electronic pulse in the Greek composer’s great movie theme.