I USUALLY hate opening ceremonies. Loads of arty-types and dance and drama students.

So it was with caution I switched on last night's opening ceremony for Manchester's Commonwealth Games.

And when Steve Redgrave started banging on a big drum my worst fears were being realised.

It was followed by people drumming on an assortment of items that looked like they'd been dredged from the Ship Canal.

But -- shock, horror -- it worked. And I enjoyed it. Even S Club managed to lip-sync in time.

Barry Davies did a splendid job on the commentary. Never thought I'd hear the day when Bazza would use the phrases 'hip hop' and 'New York funk'. Get down, man.

And the dignitaries arriving by taxi was especially brilliant.

You could just imagine the drivers heading down Deansgate later saying: "You'll never believe who I had in the back of my cab tonight."

I must admit, I did have to switch over during the walk-out of the teams -- but I did get as far as Guernsey.

Manchester did us all proud. And it didn't even rain.

WE'RE now into the final few hours in the Big Duller house. Who wins? Who loses? You decide. If you still care.