Spice Girls at London 2012 Olympics closing ceremony - in pictures

The Spice Girls arrive on top of taxis to perform a medley of Wannabe and Spice Up Your Life Photograph: Bernd Thissen/EPA

The famous five, accustomed to being all over the papers, are at home on the newsprint-themed floor Photograph: Johannes Eisele/AFP/Getty Images

Sporty Spice was never sporty enough to compete in the Olympics, though her graceful ascent on to the roof of this taxi may give her cause to dream of gymnastics glory at Rio 2016 Photograph: Olivier Morin/AFP/Getty Images

Geri Halliwell chose not to return to her infamous union flag dress, although she hinted at it with a blue, red and white bustle Photograph: Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images

Mel B, inspired by the efforts of the gymnasts, opts to wear an sparkly all-in-one suit Photograph: Paul Edwards/NOPP

Posh Spice's husband, David Beckham, had played a prominent part in the opening ceremony, and now she was helping to close it Photograph: Matthew Childs/Action Images

Emma Bunton taunts the Chinese athletes by reminding them they finished behind the USA in the medal table Photograph: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

At an Olympics where Britain's female athletes came to the fore, it was fitting that the highlight of the closing ceremony featured the faces of Girl Power Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty Images

The five finally flag down the taxis and leave the arena the way they came in Photograph: Diego Azubel/EPA