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Paul Mescal was left speechless after meeting the winner of his stunt contest via video call on Wednesday morning.
The Gladiator actor, 28, appeared on Zoe Ball’s BBC Radio 2 breakfast show alongside co-stars Denzel Washington and Connie Nielsen.
However, the Irish star didn’t know that Zoe had a surprise in store for her when she introduced her to the winner of he Pablo Mescal doubles competition that took place in Dublin earlier this month.
When Jack Wall O’Reilly, now also known as “earbuds Paul”, spoke on the phone, Paul was surprised and exclaimed: “These are bananas.’
Speaking to Jack, Paul joked: “I actually saw the photo, I didn’t know what was happening until it was over and I think you captured my spirit really well.”
His double responded: “Thank you very much.” I figured you’d be home with your family getting some rest after the long press tour.
Paul Mescal was left speechless when he ‘met’ his unlikely doppelganger over the phone on BBC Radio 2 on Wednesday after THAT impersonator contest in Dublin earlier this month.
When Jack Wall O’Reilly (pictured), now also known as “Headset Paul”, spoke on the phone, Paul was shocked and exclaimed: “This is crazy.”
Jack pictured at the stunt competition where he won a grand prize of £20 or three pints depending on his preference.
“Oh, you’re so kind and thoughtful,” Paul responded.
Denzel then asked, “Wait, turn to the side, I want to see the profile,” to which Jack nodded, “Yeah, everyone says it’s the profile,” as those in the studio exclaimed at the resemblance.
Jack revealed that he recently graduated with a Master’s Degree in Screenwriting, and cited Paul as an inspiration, saying: “I’m a huge fan, I have huge respect for everyone here. Obviously Paul, Aftersun is one of my favorite movies.
“He is a huge inspiration to young creatives in Ireland and around the world and I hope that one day, through the appropriate channels, when I have an idea that I am passionate about and it is developed enough that I can present it to him.”
“Oh, Jack, you’re an absolute gentleman,” Paul added.
Several Mescal impersonators flocked to Smithfield Square in north Dublin to take part in the fun contest ahead of the actor’s appearance at the Irish premiere of Gladiator II two weeks ago.
All of the contestants wore what is known as Paul’s signature look: white sports shorts and a pair of headphones.
In a video of the contest, a group of finalists were seen lining up as one of the organizers asked the crowd to applaud their favorite.
Speaking to Jack, Paul joked: “I actually saw the photo, I didn’t know what was happening until it was over and I think you captured my spirit really well.”
Jack revealed that he recently graduated with a Master’s Degree in Screenwriting, and cited Paul as an inspiration, saying: “I’m a huge fan, I have huge respect for everyone here. Obviously Paul, Aftersun is one of my favorite movies.
Denzel then asked, “Wait, turn to the side, I want to see the profile,” and Jack agreed, “yeah, everyone says it’s the profile,” as everyone in the studio gasped at the resemblance (Paul pictured in Governors Awards on Sunday).
Most of the finalists got a fairly lukewarm response from the audience, except for one who received a big round of applause.
The host said: ‘It is clear that there is only one perfect Mescal. Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together.
The winner then showed a novelty check made out for €20 “or three pints”.
The winner said: “I think there is a Paul Mescal in all of us and thank you all for coming.”
The idea behind the stunt competition came about after a Timothée Chalamet stunt competition was held in New York and the Hollywood actor surprised fans by appearing.
Sadly, fans who gathered in Dublin did not have the same experience as Paul did not make it to the contest.