Patrick Stewart carries Olympic torch through London

He's best known for his sci-fi characters who relied on fancy pieces of technology to get around, like the Starship Enterprise on "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and his suped-up wheelchair in "X Men." But 72-year-old Patrick Stewart needed nothing but his own manpower to carry the Olympic torch across London on Monday.

Stewart is no stranger to crowds, but the actor was overwhelmed by the onlookers, who gathered to see the torch pass through South London, as its trip across the U.K. draws to a close before reaching its final stop, igniting the flame at Olympic Park, on Thursday.

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"Never mind Jean-Luc Picard. I have attended world premieres of big movies that have not had the excitement and sense of pleasure that people are exhibiting today," he said. "The great thing is it's the first day of the school [summer] holidays and so all the children are out. It was thrilling; I shall never forget today."

Other torchbearers have ranged from local community leaders to famous actors, musicians, and athletes such as Muse, James McAvoy, Melanie Chisholm, Venus Williams, and Andy Murray. On Monday evening, a character from the British soap "Coronation Street" also carried the torch in Hertfordshire in a live special.

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Much like the torch itself, Olympic fever is heating up in London as Friday's Opening Ceremony comes closer and director Danny Boyle tries to keep 16,000 athletes, 10,000 performers, 70 sheep, 12 horses, 10 chickens, three cows, two goats, and even dogs and geese from releasing any spoilers.