Double trouble, Paddy likeys his Blackpool likeness

The comedian and presenter Paddy McGuinness has been revealed as the latest celebrity statue at Blackpool’s Madame Tussauds attraction.

Boltonian Paddy declared it as ‘madness’ and ‘bonkers’ to come face to face with the startling likeness, and promised to return soon with his young children, two-year-old twins Leo and Penelope.

“It might make a good baby-sitting tool,” he joked. “I can leave them sat here, while I go for some candy floss.”

Paddy’s relaxed posture wax figure is in the TV hall of fame, alongside fellow comedians Alan Carr and Keith Lemon, as well as the X Factor panel.

And it stands on a replica set of his hit Saturday night show Take Me Out - where visitors can step behind the podium and play along, with catchphrases such as ‘Let the Golden see the Mile’, ‘Let the Blackpool see the Tower’ and ‘Let the Bolton see the Wanderers’.

As a good northern lad, family holidays in Blackpool were the norm for Paddy, and he hopes others will enjoy their time in the resort.

“I love the fact we’re in Blackpool for this,” he said.

“I’ve not been for a year or two now, but I know when people come to Tussauds in Blackpool, with the interactive set up and catchphrases they’ll have a lot of fun.

“Pretty much everyone in the North West used to come to Blackpool for their hols, so it will be great to bring my family now - especially with something like this, it’s a very flattering thing.”

He described the meticulous process of measuring for the figure as ‘intimidating’, donning grey hot pants and a vest in a room of eight women.

“I kind of thought it was overkill, but when you see the figure, you understand why they take so long,” he added.

“I held my stomach in on the day, and that’s paid off.”

The detailed wax figure even has Paddy’s stubble, a suit made specially by his tailor Chris Kerr and his wedding ring.

Although he found fame in Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights and Max And Paddy sitcoms, he’s now better known as presenter of ITV dating game show Take Me Out – which is now seeking applicants for its eight series, to film in November.

And he’s just filmed a brief cameo stint with Coronation Street, appearing as a survivalist out camping with Kirk and Tyrone, to be aired next month.

Madame Tussauds Blackpool general manager Matthew Titherington said: “Having Paddy in Blackpool for the launch of his wax figure has been brilliant, we haven’t stopped laughing.

“His figure is going to be hugely popular, we’re often asked if Paddy’s in the building, so finally we can say ‘yes’.

“We’re looking forward to seeing visitors pose with Paddy on the Take Me Out set and try out their best chat-up lines.”