YEARS & Years and It’s A Sin star Olly Alexander had described unveiling his Madame Tussauds figure in front of his family and friends as “unforgettable” and “overwhelming”.
The trailblazing former Monmouth Comprehensive pupil pulled the curtain off the waxwork at an exclusive event on Thursday, before it went on show in the London attraction’s newly installed Culture Capital zone, alongside the likes of Princess Diana, Shakespeare, Stormzy and the newly-unveiled Sir David Attenborough.
And Olly, who grew up in nearby Coleford, said: “I had the time of my life meeting my figure at Madame Tussauds London!
“It’s an overwhelming feeling to be immortalised in this way amongst so many incredible people.
“Getting to unveil myself with my closest friends and family was truly an extraordinary experience, I’ll never forget this moment!”
Olly’s mum Vicki Yates, a co-founder of the Coleford Music festival, who has supported him throughout his career and has shared the Celebrity Gogglebox sofa with him, said: “There have been many ‘wow’ moments in Olly’s life but this is really special.
“Having a figure at Madame Tussauds London is symbolic, it means so much to Olly, it’s proof you’ve really landed.
“To me, the figure itself is breathtaking. The artists have caught his spirit, his soul. It’s so powerful, just like him.” Olly’s stunningly lifelike figure was unveiled in a dramatic curtain-drop moment as part of an intimate, closed event held for 50 of the star’s family and friends at the Baker Street attraction, before the hotly-anticipated figure made its arrival in the world-famous London attraction on Friday.
The trailblazing star, style icon, and mental health and LGBTQI+ rights activist started working with Madame Tussauds expert artists over a year ago.
Since then, he has scooped a BRIT Billion award for surpassing a staggering one billion streams in the UK, and headlined a number of festivals including Mighty Hoopla 2023.
Olly’s new figure pays homage to his empowering BRIT Awards 2021 performance alongside Sir Elton John.
He donated the original outfit from the iconic performance, created by celebrated designer Harris Reed, which emphasises the star’s fashion credentials.
The black crystalised lace crop top and flare co-ord is accessorised with creeper platform shoes, drop earrings and standout silver chunky rings.
Fans will notice the look is completed with the star delicately shaved into the figure’s striking red hair and Olly’s famous tattoos, each meticulously hand-painted by Madame Tussauds London’s artists.
Bow Plant, Senior Performance Manager at Madame Tussauds London, said: “Working with Olly has been a dream and from the moment we met him he’s been fully invested in the process.
“We’ve really seen what he’s known for – his enthusiasm, kindness and creativity – shone through and it was important for us to capture that boundless energy and spirit in his figure.”
Olly’s figure is the latest addition to MT’s newly-launched Culture Capital zone, and will shine alongside fellow icons that have shaped British culture.
Tim Waters, General Manager at Madame Tussauds London, said: “Olly’s superpower is his authenticity. Everything he does, whether his music, acting or activism, is all about upholding LGBTQI+ stories and through his vulnerability gives his fans the courage to be their true authentic selves.
“It has been wonderful to see how excited fans are to meet the finished figure ever since we announced him – and we’re honoured to be able to celebrate Olly and everything he stands for in the attraction.”
To watch the moment Olly comes face to face with his waxwork, go to Madame Tussauds London Facebook page.