Olympic Opening Ceremony 2012: English Stars and Celebrities We'd Love to See

Try wrapping your mind around this: Upwards of one billion people are expected to watch the 2012 Olympic opening ceremonies Friday, with another 60,000 expected to be in attendance in London. 

Danny Boyle, an English producer and director best known for his work on Slumdog Millionaire, will put on the expensive production. 

Below, we list the English stars and celebrities we would like to see attend and/or participate in the 2012 Olympic opening ceremonies Friday.

Simon Cowell, TV Star

Believe it or not, Cowell may have more star power than the next man on this list. A star of the global hit American Idol and the creator of The X Factor, Cowell has become one of the more recognizable voices in television.

He deserves some kind of spot during the opening ceremonies. 

David Beckham, Football

Despite playing in Major League Soccer (MLS) for a long stretch, Beckham remains one of the world's most popular athletes. His range stretches from Europe to the United States to the Far East, mostly because of his excellence on the football field and his stunning good looks off it.

It would frankly be a shock not to see him in some form on Friday. 

Paul McCartney, Musician 

McCartney may be the most respected musician alive today, and that's not a stretch. He's universally loved. I guess that's what happens when you're a part of the most popular band of all-time, and then you outlive most of its members.

He's rumored (via the Daily Mail) to be a big part of the musical production, with a rendition of "Hey Jude" scheduled to close out the ceremony. We hope that ends up being true. 

Kate Moss, Supermodel

Despite approaching 40 years old, Moss remains one of England's most beautiful people and arguably its top model. She's a money magnet for whatever designer's clothes she wears or magazine's cover she graces.

Somehow, someway, expect the camera to find her face in the crowd—if she's there.

Cheryl Cole, TV Star

The ex-wife of Chelsea footballer Ashley Cole, Cheryl has built her own brand and built it well. She's one of the most famous females in England, and she carries the English version of The X Factor.

She deserves another chance in the spotlight during the Olympic opener. 

Robert Pattinson, Actor

American teenage girls will know the name, and most probably even have his middle memorized. For the rest of us, Pattinson is known as the pretty boy actor from the highly successful Twilight series.

You'd have to figure his face will find a camera eventually Friday.

Prince William, Royalty

We couldn't leave out Prince William, the royal celebrity, could we? Absolutely not. He's going to be the King of England one day, for crying out loud.

His face should be checkered all over Friday night's production.