Olly Alexander, the lead singer of the popular band ‘Years & Years’, caused a stir among London commuters at St Pancras train station with a surprise performance alongside his lookalike, Keith Marshall, professionally known as ‘Starstruck’. The duo turned a typical busking session into a spontaneous 30-minute pop-up concert, thrilling passersby with their musical talents. Marshall, known for his tribute performances at various UK festivals and events, was in the middle of performing ‘Desire’ when Olly made a surprise appearance, elevating the experience for the audience. Expressing his excitement about the unexpected collaboration, Olly jokingly remarked, “Why have one of something when you can have two? I hope the crowd had as much fun as I did.”
The impromptu duet between Olly Alexander and his lookalike at St Pancras station sparked intrigue among onlookers, reflecting a broader fascination with doppelgangers in British culture. Recent research, commissioned by Twix to promote its new campaign ‘Two is more than one’, revealed that four out of ten Britons are captivated by the idea of having a double, with a significant 78 per cent expressing a desire to meet their doppelganger. The study, which included input from Gen Z respondents, highlighted a keen interest in the concept of having a clone to delegate mundane tasks and obligations, a sentiment shared by Millennials. The prospect of having a double to handle daily chores, attend tedious work engagements, or run errands resonated with many participants.
According to the study conducted by OnePoll, approximately 37 per cent of individuals have been mistaken for someone else in the past, fueling their curiosity about the existence of their lookalikes worldwide. The findings indicated that nearly a quarter of respondents would view their double as an assistant rather than an equal, assigning them household responsibilities like washing dishes and doing laundry. Some even contemplated sending their doppelganger to social events they preferred to avoid or to handle interactions like navigating contracts or grocery shopping. The research underscored that over two-thirds of participants would be eager to meet their own doppelganger, envisioning the potential benefits of sharing responsibilities with their twin.
The study also shed light on the time constraints faced by many individuals, with 55 per cent feeling overwhelmed by the demands of daily life. A lack of time to accomplish tasks and fulfill commitments was cited as a primary factor contributing to stress and hindered productivity. The notion of having a clone to share the workload resonated with 49 per cent of participants, who believed that having a double would make their lives significantly easier, allowing them to achieve more and experience greater happiness. The ‘Two is more than one’ campaign by Twix, inspired by the idea of doubling enjoyment with its dual-bar chocolate, aimed to bring a lighthearted approach to the concept of having a clone.
Lauren Godfrey, senior brand manager at Twix, commented on the campaign, noting that in a fast-paced world where time is a precious commodity, the notion of having a clone to share responsibilities resonates with many. She highlighted the importance of incorporating little indulgences and moments of fun amidst the daily routine to promote well-being. The unexpected performance by Olly Alexander and his lookalike served as a captivating reminder of the intrigue surrounding doppelgangers and the allure of the idea of sharing life’s burdens with a twin counterpart.
In conclusion, the unique busking experience at St Pancras station not only delighted commuters with a surprise musical treat but also encapsulated the British fascination with doppelgangers and the appeal of having a clone to navigate the complexities of modern life. The spontaneous duet between Olly Alexander and Keith Marshall exemplified the joy of unexpected encounters and shared moments of enjoyment. As the concept of doppelgangers continues to captivate the public imagination, the prospect of meeting one’s double and sharing life’s challenges with a twin remains an intriguing and enticing thought for many.