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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Mancs wanted to take part in a new series of the ‘hardest quiz show on TV’
Emily Sergeant
Call yourself a clever clogs? The BBC is currently looking for contestants to take part in what is widely considered the hardest quiz show on TV.
That’s right – Only Connect is back for another series on BBC Two.
Presented by Victoria Coren Mitchell and first broadcast all the way back in 2008, Only Connect takes TV quizzing to the next level, as it sees two teams compete against each other by finding connections between seemingly unrelated clues.
In this quiz show – which viewers have dubbed one of the most challenging there is – knowledge only takes you so far, as the ability to think laterally is also deemed ‘vitally important’.
A casting call for the upcoming 2027 series has been shared on the BBC website, with people from Greater Manchester encouraged to apply.
Mancs wanted to take part in a new series of the ‘hardest quiz show on TV’ / Credit: BBC
The casting call reads: “The popular BBC Two quiz show presented by Victoria Coren Mitchell returns for a new series in 2027.
“Only Connect is seeking teams of three players OR single applicants or teams of two looking for like-minded teammates to pool their combined wits to solve fiendish conundrums and vexing puzzles.
“This is the quiz series where, as in life itself, knowledge will only take you so far: patience and lateral thinking are also vital. It’s all about making connections between things which may appear, at first glance, not to be connected at all.”
Reckon you’ve got what it takes then? Applications are now open, and all applicants must be aged 18 or over and a resident in the UK or Channel Islands.
Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands
Emily Sergeant
Students can get themselves up to 50% off on food, activities, and loads of big-name brands at the Trafford Centre next month.
With thousands of new and returning students starting to arrive for the new academic year at Greater Manchester‘s universities, one of the region’s biggest student nights will be making a long-awaited comeback for one night only next month – and there’ll be loads of exclusive offers and free entertainment to make the most of across the evening.
Taking over the Trafford Centre in early October, the popular one-off student night is happening in partnership with Student Beans, and gives cash-strapped students the chance to shop a variety of incredible discounts all under one roof.
Just some of the big brands offering big discounts include 25% off at Levi’s and Boux Avenue, 20% off at Gymshark, Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch, and 15% off at KIKO, Rituals, and Sephora.
It’s not just retail brands you’ll be able to save some pennies on either, as many of the Trafford Centre’s restaurants and cafes will also be offering discounts and freebies on the night too.
Alongside the offers, students can expect plenty of live entertainment and in-store experiences throughout the evening, including a DJ set and drinks at Calvin Klein, in-store fitness challenges and at Gymshark, an exclusive piercing event at Lovisa, and a Beauty Hub takeover at Sephora.
There’ll also be ‘spin-to-win’ opportunities at places like schuh, River Island, and YO! Sushi.
Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands / Credit: Supplied
“Student Night is one of the highlights of our autumn calendar, and we’re excited to welcome students for an evening of brilliant offers and feel-good experiences,” explained Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at the Trafford Centre.
“Whether they are updating their wardrobe, stocking up on beauty favourites, grabbing a bite to eat or enjoying the atmosphere with friends, there is plenty to discover across the centre.
“With simple transport links from Manchester city centre and across the region, Trafford Centre is the perfect place for a student night out.”
The Trafford Centre’s Student Night is happening on Thursday 1 October from 6-10pm, and students can now reserve themselves a spot by registering online HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
26th October 2020 
