Ed Sheeran rumoured to have popped into Madame Tussauds Blackpool - here's what really happened
Blackpool was briefly buzzing on Saturday after visitors to Madame Tussauds thought Ed Sheeran had popped in for a low-key day out - but it wasn’t him.
The ginger-haired figure seen checking in on November 22, guitar case slung over his shoulder and sunglasses on, was actually one of the UK’s most convincing celebrity doppelgangers - professional Ed Sheeran lookalike Ty Jones.
Blackpool Tourism Limited confirmed on Monday that the excitement was sparked by Jones, who is well-known for being so uncannily similar to the chart-topper that even seasoned fans can’t always tell the difference.
Jones, 30, has long embraced life as Ed’s near-duplicate.
The Manchester-based dad says he can’t even nip to the corner shop without being stopped, and he’s admitted to wearing disguises just to get some peace.
He first realised the resemblance as a teenager when friends thought a young Sheeran performing online was actually him.
Before long, he was being offered a month’s wages to appear at events, and he eventually made the leap into full-time lookalike work.
His look is so convincing he often has to prove he’s not Ed, usually by showing his arm to reveal a distinct lack of tattoos.
He’s even met the real Sheeran, who joked: “There’s definitely some of my DNA in there.”
So while Blackpool didn’t get a surprise visit from the global superstar this weekend, Ty Jones certainly gave fans a moment of excitement.
Ty Jones has been contacted for comment, including why he was being filmed during his visit to the resort.