Blur singer tipped for Olympics role

Blur frontman Damon Albarn has been tipped as a contender for artistic director for the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics.

The Independent newspaper said preliminary discussions had taken place between the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (Locog) and the musician.

The 41-year-old Britpop pioneer worked with his Gorillaz collaborator Jamie Hewlett to create animation and music for the BBC's coverage of the Beijing Games.

Film director Stephen Daldry, 49, has also been approached, according to The Independent.

More than one artistic director may be appointed for the Games.

A Locog spokeswoman said it is too early to discuss who might be appointed and said organisers are "way off making an appointment".