Chinese child singer 'too ugly' for Olympic ceremony

Lin Miaoke appeared to sing "Ode to the Motherland" before a televised audience of at least a billion last Friday, and has been hailed by the national press as a rising star.

But the show's director, Chen Qigang told state media the real star was seven-year-old Yang Peiyi, who has a chubby face and uneven teeth.

Mr Chen said the decision to swap the singers was made to benefit the nation.

It's also emerged some of the firework displays during the opening ceremony were faked.