The bizarre conspiracy theory claiming that FLOTUS Melania Trump has been replaced with a body double has reared it’s head again over this past weekend.
The ‘Fake Melania’ decoy conspiracy theory is one that has been floating around for quite a few years now and has been highlighted after multiple public appearances made by the pair, but this time, it’s concerning one specific picture of Donald Trump and Melania eagerly waving as they board the presidential chopper Marine One at the White House.
Except, some people on Twitter are just not convinced it actually is her.
And so, the hashtag #FakeMelania – which is usually used to point out differences in her appearance, for example that she doesn’t always seem to smile the same way – was used by many while scrutinising the image in the search for answers over the weekend, and was even seen trending on the platform for a good few hours on Sunday too.
But maybe not for the reason you’d initially think.
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Of course, as you’d come to expect in this day and age, the Marine One boarding picture has become the subject of a popular meme aimed at poking fun at those who believe Melania has been replaced with a decoy.
Has their been another sitting President in the Televisual age that’s been quite so brazen as to use a body double of the First Lady on the campaign trail? I think not. Up their with my favourite conspiracy theories. The evidence is well… compelling. #FakeMelaniapic.twitter.com/BEI0kJyV1m
The President took to Twitter last year to address the conspiracy theory, branding it “deranged” and blaming the media for perpetuating it. He tweeted: “The Fake News photoshopped pictures of Melania, then propelled conspiracy theories that it’s actually not her by my side in Alabama and other places.
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“They are only getting more deranged with time!”
But among all the jokes of which ‘body double’ is the best, and the references to Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un, and Brexit Party Leader Nigel Farage, somehow, in a turn no one could have seen coming, Gail Platt has even been dragged into all the madness.
This is after Twitter user @Cadmarch photoshopped a classic concerned picture of everyone’s favourite Coronation Street star behind the President on the chopper saying “this is not Melania”.
The tweet went on to amass well over 15,000 interactions and comments in just a few hours after posting.
To be honest, the popularity of Gail’s photoshopped appearance was probably only second in line to that of the fact that some people were convinced the man flying the helicopter was actor John Barrowman, due to his uncanny resemblance.
Honestly though, who really knows what’s going on across the pond any more, but seeing Gail Platt manage to get herself involved with it all is no doubt welcome entertainment.
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You can now have a private sleepover amongst all the history inside Manchester Museum
Emily Sergeant
Manchester Museum is now offering one lucky family the chance to have a sleepover with Stan the Tyrannosaurus rex.
For the first time in Manchester Museum’s history, one lucky family will be given the chance to experience an incredible night at the museum.
This unique opportunity is being offered as part of a prize draw, allowing visitors to find out what happens once the sun goes down inside the Fossils and Dinosaurs gallery – in the company of Stan, the famous Tyrannosaurus rex, of course.
The Fossils and Dinosaurs gallery is one of the most iconic spaces within Manchester Museum.
Having opened to the public all the way back in 1888, it’s part of the museum’s original building designed by celebrated Alfred Waterhouse, who also designed Manchester Town Hall and London’s Natural History Museum.
Not only will the lucky winning family enjoy an overnight stay in the gallery, but they’ll also be treated to a guided torchlight tour of the galleries after the Museum has closed, as well as other fun activities and a film screening too before bed.
You can now have a private sleepover inside Manchester Museum / Credit: The Manc Group
“We can’t be completely sure what happens when the sun goes down in our Fossils and Dinosaurs gallery, because nobody has ever spent the night in there before, but we can only imagine the kind of fun that can be had with Stan the T. rex and his friends,” said Dean Whiteside, Head of Commercial and Operations at Manchester Museum.
“This is a chance to be a part of museum history and enjoy the kind of once-in-a-lifetime experience you can’t usually buy.
“At the same time, Manchester Museum is a charity so, by getting behind this initiative, you’ll be helping to support vital work that impacts the lives of people across Greater Manchester and beyond.”
Fancy it then? You can enter the prize draw by buying a ticket for £5 from the Manchester Museum Shop, with each ticket counting as one entry and the winner set to be chosen at random from all valid entries.
The prize draw is now open and closes on Monday 28 September 2026.
Featured Image – Supplied
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A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester with DJs blasting 2000s indie and emo anthems
Emily Sergeant
A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester this spooky season.
It’s been nearly 20 years since the release of the titular first film in the Twilight Saga, based on author Stephanie Meyer’s bestselling book series of the same name, but despite two decades having passed, the films remain as beloved as ever.
Twilight went on to become a global phenomenon when it first hit cinemas back in November 2008, not just with its target audience of teens and young adults, but with people of all ages – making stars out of its lead actors Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart in the process, and generating millions at the box office.
With the impact it had on the culture at the time, it’s no wonder Twilight remained among fans’ favourites all these years later.
And this success is why events company Throwback Events is hosting a series of Twilight Raves across the UK and Europe this autumn, making a stop off here in Manchester in late November with tickets now on sale.
The event description reads: “Bella, where the hell you been loca? Join us as we celebrate Twilight at the club, where every day is Hoa Hoa Hoa season.
“Step into the shadows and relive the magic, mystery, and eternal romance of Twilight. Get ready for a night of anthems, nostalgia, and glittering darkness as we transform the dancefloor into Forks’ most iconic vampire coven.”
DJs will be spinning Twilight soundtracks on the night, alongside dark pop, emo, indie, and 2000s bangers, as well as playing fan edits from the films on big screens.
Oh, and to make it all the better, dressing up as vampires and werewolves is ‘highly encouraged’.
Fancy it then? The Twilight Rave is coming to the Deaf Institute in Manchester on Saturday 21 November, and tickets will set you back upwards of £7 each.
Emily Sergeant -
26th October 2020 
