Glitz and glamour in London with a vast number of celebrities from the world of TV, film, sport, politics, royalty and music is the dream for many people. That all became reality for me a few months ago but not all is as it seems as this was not a Variety Show Performance or whatever but just an afternoon at one of London’s premier tourist attractions. I’m sure you knew that already though but hey I have to come up with some kind of opening!

Back in 2014 my parents-in-law accompanied my wife and I on our summer trip back to the UK and the one thing they wanted to do was visit Madame Tussaud’s. I had never shown any interest in going to this place until that moment but ended up enjoying it. Despite that, I never really envisaged returning again but over a decade later and I had booked myself in on an afternoon time slot for 30 GBP.

What I had forgotten about is how busy and overwhelming the place can be with many, many visitors jostling for the positions they wanted as they immersed themselves among the rich and famous in a kind of fantasy land. First up was the Awards Party section which included the likes of Gillian Anderson, Harry Styles, Lady Gaga, Idris Elba, Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Benedict Cumberbatch, Dwayne Johnson and Zendaya.

A lifeless dummy … standing next to Zendaya!

All six actors to have portrayed James Bond in the official Eon films were there which shows the power of the character as there’s no way that a few of them would be in this museum was it not for the 007 connection. Who will be added in the near future is still one of great speculation and debate!

As ever it’s an ever-changing cast of waxworks designed to reflect the times and the harsh reality is that people come and go as fame doesn’t always last forever. There were still a few legends present that featured during my previous visit but, other than Arnold Schwarzenegger/The Terminator, I didn’t bother taking too many similar pictures to last time.

The Culture Capital zone featured icons who have helped to shape British culture. The much-loved Paddington is very deserving of his place though it must be far easier to make a waxwork model of a fictional bear than a human.

David Attenborough, Winston Churchill, William Shakespeare, Stormzy, the Beckhams and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were all present.

As for British sports stars, there was Anthony Joshua, Lando Norris and eight seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. Extreme realism and artistry are key reasons for the popularity of this museum but I have to say that Hamilton’s waxwork likeness was a little suspect though! Having already done a year at Ferrari by this stage it was quite strange to see him back in his old Mercedes race suit.

Former England women’s goalkeeper Mary Earps won a public vote for which Lioness would be given the wax treatment. Given the nature of her controversial autobiography last year, I was half-expecting (not really!) some of the people she criticised to have taken some kind revenge on her waxwork model!

Non-British footballers like Christiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe also featured as did two-time Olympic gold medalist and legendary British runner Mo Farrah. Acting royalty Dame Helen Mirren was nearby!

With guests being encouraged to interact with the figures, it really is a museum like no other but I have to admit that it wasn’t as much fun being there on my own. There is also no one to take your pictures so easily. Selfies are ok but I think it’s much better to get the full body in the photo so here are singers Beyonce and Amy Winehouse without me!

Two more modern-day singing stars I’m very aware of without knowing hardly any of their songs are Dua Lipa and Taylor Swift. I was actually quite surprised to have them all to myself!

The Spirit of London ride was next and that was really good as I sat in a black cab and was transported roller-coaster style through moments in history that have defined the capital city. Perhaps more importantly it offered me the chance to have a rest and take the weight off my feet on what had already been quite a long day.

A rest is certainly what I got in the 3D film which was part of the Marvel Hall of Heroes. Sadly, I ended up falling asleep for most of it! There were dozens and dozens more famous waxworks which I haven’t included here but that was because I was there for another reason and my mind was elsewhere. That will appear here as soon as it drops so please check back soon!

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