Take That choreographer steers Olympic finales

The man behind Take That's successful comeback live shows will be in charge of the closing ceremonies at the London 2012 Games, organisers announced today.

Choreographer and creative director Kim Gavin, who masterminded Take That's live performances on the Circus Tour, is the artistic director for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Gavin, who also choreographed and directed the Concert for Diana and the Help the Heroes Concert, told the Press Association it was the "ultimate prize".

Bournemouth-born Gavin said he was "really excited" about his new job but is still figuring out the content of the showpiece finales.

No decisions have been made including which famous faces might be taking part.

His friend Take That's Gary Barlow told the Press Association: "Me and the guys are thrilled that Kim has been asked to create the closing ceremony.

"We know with him in charge it's going to be one great celebration for the whole country.

"We're very proud of our live shows and Kim has always been at the very heart of their creation.

"We wish him all the success in the world and before you ask, no, he hasn't asked us to be in the show - yet!"

Gavin will be working with stage and costume designer Es Devlin who has been appointed as the designer for the Olympic closing ceremony.

Her most recent claim to fame has been as the designer for Lady Gaga's Monster Ball US Tour.

She has also worked on tours for Muse, Kanye West, Take That and the Pet Shop Boys.

She also designs opera, drama and dance for the Royal Opera House, Glyndebourne, English National Opera, National Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company and Sadlers Wells.

Devlin has also won the TPi Stage Designer of the Year award in 2010 and 2011 - the live production industry's version of the Oscars.

A "delighted" Devlin said: "We are envisaging a truly imaginative celebration and I'm honoured to be part of the team."

Grammy-award winning film composer and record producer David Arnold also joins the team as music director for both closing ceremonies.

Arnold has followed in the footsteps of legendary John Barry as the composer for James Bond films including Tomorrow Never Dies, The World is Not Enough and Die Another Day.

He has also worked on records by Dame Shirley Bassey, George Michael, KD Lang, Iggy Pop, Bjork and the Kaiser Chiefs.

Arnold, who was raised in Luton, described his new job as a "huge honour", adding: "As a nation we excel throughout the world in music. Our team will be readying an electrifying and thrilling soundtrack for this spectacular event."

London 2012 chairman Lord Coe said the ceremonies "are now certainly in the best possible hands".

Oscar winner Danny Boyle has already been named as the artistic director for the Olympic Games opening ceremony while Stephen Daldry leads a team of executive producers in charge of all the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic opening and closing ceremonies.

Boyle has appointed designer Thomas Heatherwick to design the Olympic Cauldron for the Games.

The artistic director for the opening ceremony for the 2012 Paralympics is to be announced in the summer.

Daldry said: "As executive producers we are committed to attract the best talent in the world into key roles, and these appointments today certainly do that.

"We're delighted to welcome Kim, Es and David on board and look forward to developing wonderful celebrations for the closing ceremonies of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games."