Footie fans can take Hart from new wax attraction

The shot-stopper, who played five games for the Seasiders in 2007, will be guarding the goal in France during England’s Euro 2016 campaign.

But a £150,000 waxwork figure of the Manchester City player has now been unveiled at Blackpool’s Madame Tussauds.

Joe’s dad Charles unveiled the likeness which is part of a new interactive penalty shoot-out feature at the attraction on the Golden Mile.

He said: “It’s completely baffling to see Joe recreated in wax, they’ve done a fantastic job, it’s as though he’s been frozen in time.

“He was really excited to have the honour of getting his own wax figure, I know he’s going to love it and is planning to visit himself after the tournament.”

When asked about England’s chances at the Euros this summer, Charles was upbeat: “If they can play without fear and the weight of expectation, there’s no limit to what this team can achieve.

“I know Joe feels the same and has complete belief in the 10 players that will line up in front of him.

“He’s really up for the tournament and looking forward to representing his country.”

It took the Madame Tussauds team four months to create Joe’s waxwork with a team of 20 sculptors, colourists and hair stylists working on the figure.

The goalkeeper has been recreated in wax in an action pose that will be familiar to football fans, as he dives full stretch to his left.

The 6ft 4in waxwork will don an official England goalkeeper kit ahead of the Euros.

Matthew Titherington, general manager at Madame Tussauds Blackpool, said: “We’re very excited to welcome Joe Hart’s wax figure to the attraction ahead of the Euros.

“Guests will be able to visit us during the competition and get an all-action selfie with the England number one – a Euros good luck pilgrimage.

“Joe’s figure will definitely go down a storm and will feature in our sports area alongside other sports stars including teammate Wayne Rooney.

“We can’t wait to cheer him on this summer, let’s hope they can end 50 years of hurt.”

Joe Hart played for Blackpool as an emergency loan player for five games in 2007, which were part of a winning run which eventually led the club to promotion from League One to the Championship.

Other footballers to have their likenesses recreated at Madame Tussauds include Blackpool’s own legendary star Sir Stanley Matthews.