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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Oscar Bobb loan interest ramps up as Manchester City look set to sign Antoine Semenyo
Danny Jones
Interest in Manchester City forward Oscar Bobb appears to be ramping up ahead of the January transfer window, with the club reportedly set to bring in another attacker come the New Year.
Yes, Antoine Semenyo might be on the verge of being the latest incoming, but his arrival could see a minimum of one name heading for the exit door.
According to several sources, there have been plenty of suitors for Oscar Bobb in the Premier League – including Newcastle United and Fulham – but it looks as though another big European team is currently leading the race for his signature.
Multiple outlets are stating that Borussia Dortmund’s pursuit of the Norwegian attacking midfielder/winger is looking the most advanced right now; meanwhile, Man City manager Pep Guardiola has been coy on the subject in his most recent press conference.
🚨🟡⚫️ “Oscar Bobb and Borussia Dortmund in talks? You can ask Oscar, not me…”, says Pep Guardiola. pic.twitter.com/8Al1ron62Q
While Germany looks to be the most likely destination, the 22-year-old’s utmost priority will surely be more regular football, with a hamstring injury having somewhat derailed his progress after making his debut as an academy graduate back in 2023.
Either way, it looks as though the Prem’s hottest prospect, Semenyo, has made up his mind.
Reliable transfer expert Fabrizio Romano shared an update on the situation this week, writing: “Antoine Semenyo, on the verge of joining Man City with deal at final stages. Agreement in place with the player after he indicated City as [his favoured] destination – club to club almost done.”
The Italian journalist has it that “Semenyo set to become first Man City’s [January] signing”, but it’s also worth noting that these two deals could set further transfers in motion besides just Bobb’s.
For instance, elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur are supposedly considering a move for either one of two offensive, albeit still quite recent MCFC signings, Savinho and Omar Marmoush – though it has been reported that Pep is keen to keep the latter at the very least.
What do you see happening, Blues, and more importantly, who do you want to see stay or go?
Adventurous Mancs needed to take part in next series of BBC’s Race Across the World
Emily Sergeant
Are you a fan of travelling? Got a bit of a competitive streak in your nature? Well, this might just be your calling then.
The BBC is, once again, casting for the next series of Race Across the World.
The BAFTA-winning hit show draws in thousands of viewers each week, and now producers are on the look-out for ‘intrepid duos’ of all ages who reckon they’re ready to take a step into the unknown, and embark on an epic race across land and sea for the next seried – and that includes Greater Manchester residents.
With applications for the next series of the massively-popular show now open, nomadic Mancs are being encouraged to take part.
On a limited budget and away from the luxuries of modern technology and conveniences, those lucky applicants selected to take part in the next series will get the chance to experience life in some of the world’s most beautiful and remote locations.
Adventurous Mancs are needed to take part in the next series of Race Across the World / Credit: BBC
Navigating their way across thousands of miles, they’ll travel through spectacular scenery and dynamic cities, visit ancient wonders, learn local customs, and take part in time-honoured traditions.
But, as producers are keen to point out, ‘the physical journey is only half of the story’. That’s because, as the contestants take on the challenge of travelling across the world, the greatest thing they’ll discover along the way could actually be about themselves and one another.
Putting out a UK-wide casting call on the BBC website this week, producers Studio Lambert wrote: “We are now accepting applications for the next series of Race Across the World. This experience is open to all, whether you’re a seasoned traveller or total novice.
“We want to hear what undertaking a trip like this would mean to you, and with a cash prize at stake, what lengths you would go to to win.”
Fancy it then? Applications for the next series of Race Across the World are now open for anyone over 18 years of age, with a deadline date of 29 March 2026, and you can find out more information and apply via the BBC website.
Emily Sergeant -
26th October 2020 
