Boris Johnson swaps Number 10 for The Blackpool Promenade!

Just as the government unveils its new plans to level up Blackpool, Madame Tussauds in the resort has also revealed it has levelled things up - with its London counterpart - as it presents its newest figure, Boris Johnson.

The lifelike figure complete with the Prime Minister’s trademark untameable mane, has now taken up residence in his new home at Madame Tussauds on Blackpool’s famous promenade.

This is the second time the former London Mayor has been immortalised in wax at Madame Tussauds, after his inaugural figure was unveiled in London in 2009.

Visitors can now get up close and personal with Boris Johnson’s figure, which is situated in front of a replica of 10 Downing Street.

Stuart Jarman, General Manager at Madame Tussauds Blackpool, said: “Boris Johnson’s figure has proven to be an extremely popular attraction at our sister site in London, and we thought it only right that we ‘level up’ and have our very own wax work of the Prime Minister for our visitors to enjoy too.

“Boris’ lifelike figure is remarkable and is testament to the talented team of artists who have spent hours creating him. I have no doubt the public will vote with their feet and pay a visit to see the Prime Minister at his new Blackpool home!”

Featuring more than 80 famous faces, Madame Tussauds Blackpool gives visitors the chance to get up close with their heroes, from sporting stars to TV favourites, movie icons, singing sensations and everything in between.

It takes a team of 25 artists to work on one wax figure, spending a total of 800 hours collectively. This includes: 350 hours to sculpt the figure, 187 hours to insert a head of hair and 30 hours to make a set of teeth.

Boris is one of 2,000 wax figures on display around the world, with roughly 150kg of clay used to sculpt each figure equating to 23 stone, the average weight of a tiger.

Madame Tussauds Blackpool recently unveiled a new figure of the Queen ahead of her Diamond Jubilee this year. It has also revamped the Doctor Who set with the addition of the Thirteenth Doctor’s on-screen friend, Dan Lewis, played by well-known actor and comedian, John Bishop, and an original and terrifying Weeping Angel.

Stuart added: “A team of the most skilled, artistic and passionate people around the world are involved in making the perfect wax figure and attention to detail is key. The eyes are hand painted and every tiny detail is duplicated including using fine red silk threads as the veins in the whites of the eyes.

“Our costume department also works with some of the world’s most sought-after designers and stylists to ensure we’re getting the figure 100 percent right to ensure fans will love it. We even have donated items of clothing from celebrities’ personal wardrobes that they have previously worn to an event.”