ONLY JEWELS AND HORSES
The Queen and Del Boy top list of most booked lookalikes
more lookalikes for weddings than ever before. Last year bookings were up almost 400 per cent, mainly due to a keeping up with the Jones’s mentality.
“People want bigger and better functions to rival their friends.”
Singer Ed Sheeran and celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay also make this year’s list – with footballer David Beckham sliding to No 10, just behind Marilyn Monroe.
The trend is also a sign of couples taking more control of their nuptials, rather than relying on their parents.
But novelty guests do not come cheap. Fees start at around €300 per booking, with another €200 for props such as Del Boy’s van.
Helena added: “Years ago lookalike artists were booked mainly for high-profile corporate events. But they are now far more accessible.
“William and Kate are still booked for weddings – they’re the future King and Queen so they’ll always be popular.
“But Harry has the naughty boy image and everyone was rooting for him to get married. With Meghan too it’s a bit of Hollywood glamour.”
She revealed other favourites include Joanna Lumley and Eastenders’ Phil Mitchell, along with John Cleese, Dawn French and footballer Jamie Vardy.
The National Association of Wedding Professionals, which acts for wedding planners, says lookalike acts allow couples to put their own stamp on their big day.
Boss Siobhan Craven Robbins added: “More and more people are paying for their own wedding themselves, rather than relying on their parents.
“Therefore we see far more personalised touches such as booking lookalikes.”
But she urged people to take care to avoid any upset.
“We always advise people to get a contract, and make sure the act who is advertised is the same act who will be there on the day.”
s.hayward@sundaymirror.co.uk
Harry has naughty boy image, Meghan is bit of glam HELENA CHARD CASTING AGENT FOR LOOKALIKES