By contrast the BBC had a 450 workforce here, and if you think that’s over the top how about NBC, the American channel who sent 3,500 to Beijing including 200 chefs!

One area where London may struggle to emulate China is in the genuine warmth of its people.

The thousands of volunteers who make the Games special have been unfailingly warm, helpful, and most noticeably proud to have put their country on the map.

During almost a month in China, I have been ripped off only once – by a rickshaw man who took advantage of my inability to hail a taxi for which I was competing with Brough Scott of the BBC and about 3,000 Chinese people.

It’s impossible to give taxi drivers or waitresses a tip in this country – it’s not part of their culture to accept. Do you think we’ll be saying the same for their London equivalents in four years time?

No, neither do I, sadly.