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.
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.
“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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Alejandro Garnacho set for Premier League switch as Manchester United shuffle attacking lineup
Danny Jones
Young Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho looks set to make a switch to another Premier League team as he has reportedly already reached an agreement regarding personal terms with his next club: Chelsea.
The promising winger, who graduated from Man United’s academy setup and has quickly made an impact even in just a short time in the first team, is now believed to be London-bound very soon, with Chelsea now “close” to completing a deal for the 21-year-old.
While there are no doubts surrounding his talent and potential, it is said the rift between him and the United head coach comes down to personality, character and conduct, with the latter not shying away from sharing grievances publicly.
🚨 Chelsea have stepped up talks with Manchester United over deal to sign Alejandro Garnacho. Clubs in touch on topic for some time & now advancing amid Benjamin Sesko joining #MUFC. 21yo winger wants #CFC or nothing + expects move to happen @TheAthleticFChttps://t.co/vdc1dtnA0p
According to The Athletic, it now looks as though after having agitated for a move, Garnacho has got his wish and is set for the capital, in a move which could see him become the 51st senior player to sign for the Blues under Todd Boehly’s ownership.
It is, quite frankly, a staggering number – especially given the fact that he only purchased the club back in May of 2022.
Most notably in Garnacho‘s case, too, it also raises questions around where in the Chelsea squad he will fit and how much regular first-team football (a guaranteed starting spot rumoured to be a flashpoint with Amorim) he will be able to enjoy should the deal go ahead.
For instance, besides the plethora of other attacking players at Enzo Maresca’s disposal, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says that the west Londoners are also pursuing PSG’s Xavi Simons.
Nevertheless, the Italian journalist claims that “every detail of personal terms with Chelsea” has now been agreed, with the Argentine prospect now fully set on a move to Stamford Bridge.
You can see what other Manchester United transfer updates he gave in his latest video.
Romano goes on to state that the deal is effectively done as far as the player side of things is concerned, adding that Garnacho is now only interested in Chelsea since and has been since July.
Although negotiations are yet to begin with Man United, it looks likely that they will push to get a transfer approved quickly as they look to cover the costs of the other business, having already brought in a number of players.
Chester Zoo confirms sex of viral snow leopard cub after its first vet health check
Emily Sergeant
It’s the news we’ve all been for… Chester Zoo has confirmed the sex of its viral snow leopard cub after its first vet health check.
In case you need bringing up to speed, the new baby arrived to first-time parents Nubra and Yashin, who are both three-years-old, earlier this summer on 10 June, and since then, keepers at Chester Zoo said mum and cub had mostly spent their time quietly tucked away in a cosy den, away from the eyes of the onlooking public.
But just last week, it was time for the little one to see what the outside world is all about, and the zoo’s cameras captured it venturing outside for the very first time.
Back then though, we were still awaiting confirmation of the cub’s sex.
Now, Chester Zoo has confirmed that the adorable ball of fluff was taken to the zoo’s specialist vets and carnivore keepers this week to be examined, weighed, vaccinated, and most importantly, ‘sexed’ – and finally, it has been revealed as a female.
Keepers say the playful new arrival is now eight weeks old and growing in strength and confidence every day, with mum Nubra watching over closely.
“At eight weeks old, the cub has undergone the first of two all-important health checks,” explained Mark Brayshaw, who is the Head of Mammals at Chester Zoo.
Chester Zoo has confirmed the sex of its viral snow leopard cub after its first vet health check / Credit: Chester Zoo
“These quick examinations by the zoo’s vets are really important for us to make sure the cub is healthy and in good physical condition.
“We recorded the cub’s weight, checked its heartbeat, eyes, and teeth before swiftly returning the cub to mum Nubra, [and] we’re very happy to report that the cub was given a clean bill of health and we can finally reveal that it is indeed a female.
“Now comes one of the toughest tasks of all – choosing a name worthy of such a special arrival.”
Snow leopards are classed as vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and it’s believed there are as few as 4,000 now remaining in the wild.
Stay tuned to find out the little one’s name, expected to be revealed very soon.
In fact, you might as well throw in your own suggestion – we’ve already offered ours…
How about Medo? 🥹
It means ‘little flower’ in Tibetan, the same as her mother’s tongue. 🌼
Emily Sergeant -
26th October 2020 
