Latest news with #Zander
The Guardian
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Experience: I won a Timothée Chalamet lookalike contest
When I first saw the flyer for the Timothée Chalamet lookalike contest last October, I thought it was a joke. Lookalike contests were not mainstream yet. It was also taking place in New York's Washington Square Park – a place I usually associate with chaos. But last year a TikTok of me at a London barbershop went viral before because people thought I resembled Timothée. So, a day before the contest, I headed to a charity shop and picked out an outfit that made me look like Timothée's Willy Wonka. Why not? I was shocked by the size of the crowd on the day. There were thousands there and I was swarmed by people wanting photos. Before the contest even began, the police had arrived to shut it down. We relocated to a nearby park. It was later announced that Timothée had crashed the contest but left when the cops arrived. I missed his visit entirely. Once the contest began, we were asked to complete a series of activities, including a bizarre Timothée-themed Q&A. Eventually, they narrowed down the contestants to me and a lookalike named Zander, who was dressed in a Dune-inspired outfit. Whoever got the loudest cheer would win. At that point, I was pretty calm. I thought Zander had a good shot of winning, too, as he looked a lot like Timothée. After they announced I'd won, hundreds of cameras went off in front of me. The sensory overload was next level. The reporters were aggressively fighting over who would speak to me first. To top it all, I had to walk around Manhattan carrying a 6ft trophy and a massive $50 cheque. I was invited on famous talkshows, like The Drew Barrymore Show, and fast-food companies reached out to me to film sponsored content. A highlight was attending this year's Golden Globes. I was with my mum when I received my invitation, via Instagram DM from CBS, which was broadcasting the event. My mum and I both lost it. This would be my second interaction with Timothée, as I had already met him at a screening of the film A Complete Unknown, which I was also invited to. I had been lucky enough to sit in the front row and when Timothée came out to greet the crowd, I said: 'I kind of look like you.' I did not mention the lookalike contest, but he turned to me and asked: 'What place did you get?' After I told him, he asked for a photo with me. You'd think it would be the other way round. Before the Golden Globes, CBS flew me out to LA. On landing, I went out for a breakfast burrito, and the waiter told me I looked like Timothée. He was so stunned to learn I was there for winning the lookalike contest that he gave me my meal for free. At the Globes, I walked the red carpet with the winner of the Glen Powell lookalike contest. We stood there for three hours, holding signs that read: 'I won a lookalike contest and now I'm at the Golden Globes.' We spent most of the time looking at each other in disbelief, surrounded by the world's most famous celebrities. Sign up to Inside Saturday The only way to get a look behind the scenes of the Saturday magazine. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend. after newsletter promotion I thought meeting Timothée was off the cards. But just before the ceremony kicked off, he dashed through the red carpet. He stopped to acknowledge me – something he wasn't doing for anyone else. For a second time, he asked for a picture. I was grateful as he didn't have to do that. I watched the ceremony from the trophy engraving room. I took full advantage of the unlimited food and drink, and ate about 30 lamb chops. The voice actor for Moana came up and said, 'Oh my god, you won the lookalike contest! Fuck, yeah, you did!' But I didn't recognise many people who approached me for pictures. The CBS team had to tell me who they were. I'd just think: 'Wow, that's insane.' It was hands-down the best night of my life. Later, Saturday Night Live asked me to feature me in a promo for a show Timothée was hosting, but I was in Europe and couldn't make the 12-hour turnaround. They cast someone else who wasn't even at the contest. I was disappointed, of course, but that's how this industry works. I'm optimistic about future opportunities, but even if that was the peak, I'm still grateful for all the cool things I got to do. As told to Maria Vieira Do you have an experience to share? Email experience@
Glasgow Times
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Zander Murray hosts community dinner at Glasgow hotel
Zander Murray will be hosting a community dinner at The Social Hub on July 17. It will celebrate connection, collaboration, and creativity. He also led a Lunch & Learn session at the venue on Wednesday, June 25, sharing his personal journey and calling for greater visibility and representation in sport. Read more: Celtic receive €2m transfer offer for out-of-favour defender Major supermarket chain hiring for new roles across Glasgow The Lunch & Learn event is part of The Social Hub's week-long Pride Hub programme. Zander, who came out publicly in 2022 during his playing career, said: "In a city that means so much to me, this kind of event matters. "It's not just about being seen. It's about being heard." A former striker for Gala Fairydean Rovers, Zander made headlines after a Facebook post changed the course of his life. The 33-year-old said: "I was just sitting on a balcony in Benidorm, no Instagram, no Twitter, just me thinking, I'm finally ready. "So I made this wee post for the lads on my team. Fell asleep. Woke up to messages from Lorraine Kelly. "I'm like, what the f*** is going on? "I was literally told to get a flight to London to be on her show. It was insane. 'I didn't play higher because I hated myself. I had this idea that if I went to a big club, someone would dig up a camp photo, post it on a forum, and the abuse would start. 'You don't get slagged for missing a pass. They go for your sexuality. Twitter, TikTok, the comments. It's brutal. "And it messes with your head. You're already under pressure just being a footballer. Add all that, and it's too much.' Following his announcement, Zander became a vocal advocate for inclusivity in sport, delivering talks at schools, football academies, and corporate organisations, including UEFA and the Hong Kong Gay Games. He is also hosting a community dinner at The Social Hub on July 17. He said: "I go into rooms of young boys and ask three questions. "Who's heard homophobic language this month? In this club? Who's said it? "And after I tell my story, you can see the penny drop. "That moment is when things start to change." Zander said returning to Glasgow always hits differently. He said: "Any work in Glasgow means everything to me. "I don't have to slow my voice down. The crowds get it. "I'm from here. It's personal. I see my younger self in all of them."
The Guardian
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Experience: I won a Timothée Chalamet lookalike contest
When I first saw the flyer for the Timothée Chalamet lookalike contest last October, I thought it was a joke. Lookalike contests were not mainstream yet. It was also taking place in New York's Washington Square Park – a place I usually associate with chaos. But last year a TikTok of me at a London barbershop went viral before because people thought I resembled Timothée. So, a day before the contest, I headed to a charity shop and picked out an outfit that made me look like Timothée's Willy Wonka. Why not? I was shocked by the size of the crowd on the day. There were thousands there and I was swarmed by people wanting photos. Before the contest even began, the police had arrived to shut it down. We relocated to a nearby park. It was later announced that Timothée had crashed the contest but left when the cops arrived. I missed his visit entirely. Once the contest began, we were asked to complete a series of activities, including a bizarre Timothée-themed Q&A. Eventually, they narrowed down the contestants to me and a lookalike named Zander, who was dressed in a Dune-inspired outfit. Whoever got the loudest cheer would win. At that point, I was pretty calm. I thought Zander had a good shot of winning, too, as he looked a lot like Timothée. After they announced I'd won, hundreds of cameras went off in front of me. The sensory overload was next level. The reporters were aggressively fighting over who would speak to me first. To top it all, I had to walk around Manhattan carrying a 6ft trophy and a massive $50 cheque. I was invited on famous talkshows, like The Drew Barrymore Show, and fast-food companies reached out to me to film sponsored content. A highlight was attending this year's Golden Globes. I was with my mum when I received my invitation, via Instagram DM from CBS, which was broadcasting the event. My mum and I both lost it. This would be my second interaction with Timothée, as I had already met him at a screening of the film A Complete Unknown, which I was also invited to. I had been lucky enough to sit in the front row and when Timothée came out to greet the crowd, I said: 'I kind of look like you.' I did not mention the lookalike contest, but he turned to me and asked: 'What place did you get?' After I told him, he asked for a photo with me. You'd think it would be the other way round. Before the Golden Globes, CBS flew me out to LA. On landing, I went out for a breakfast burrito, and the waiter told me I looked like Timothée. He was so stunned to learn I was there for winning the lookalike contest that he gave me my meal for free. At the Globes, I walked the red carpet with the winner of the Glen Powell lookalike contest. We stood there for three hours, holding signs that read: 'I won a lookalike contest and now I'm at the Golden Globes.' We spent most of the time looking at each other in disbelief, surrounded by the world's most famous celebrities. I thought meeting Timothée was off the cards. But just before the ceremony kicked off, he dashed through the red carpet. He stopped to acknowledge me – something he wasn't doing for anyone else. For a second time, he asked for a picture. I was grateful as he didn't have to do that. I watched the ceremony from the trophy engraving room. I took full advantage of the unlimited food and drink, and ate about 30 lamb chops. The voice actor for Moana came up and said, 'Oh my god, you won the lookalike contest! Fuck, yeah, you did!' But I didn't recognise many people who approached me for pictures. The CBS team had to tell me who they were. I'd just think: 'Wow, that's insane.' It was hands-down the best night of my life. Sign up to Inside Saturday The only way to get a look behind the scenes of the Saturday magazine. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend. after newsletter promotion Later, Saturday Night Live asked me to feature me in a promo for a show Timothée was hosting, but I was in Europe and couldn't make the 12-hour turnaround. They cast someone else who wasn't even at the contest. I was disappointed, of course, but that's how this industry works. I'm optimistic about future opportunities, but even if that was the peak, I'm still grateful for all the cool things I got to do. As told to Maria Vieira Do you have an experience to share? Email experience@
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Scotland's first openly gay footballer Zander Murray to host Pride events in Glasgow
Since retiring from football, Zander has become an award-winning keynote speaker, delivering talks and workshops to help shift attitudes and win over hearts and minds. Scotland's first openly gay professional footballer Zander Murray is set to headline Pride events in Glasgow. The 33-year-old, who played for Bonnyrigg Rose and Gala Fairydean Rovers before retiring, will host a Lunch and Learn session on Wednesday, June 25, at The Social Hub in the Merchant City area. He hopes to share his personal journey, the challenges he's faced, and how visibility and representation can help create a more inclusive future for LGBTQ+ athletes. He will also host a community dinner at the venue on Thursday, July 17, a celebration of connection, collaboration, and creativity. Speaking ahead of the events, Zander said: 'In a city that means so much to me, this kind of event matters. It's not just about being seen. It's about being heard.' They form part of the venue's temporary name change to the "Pride Hub" and programme of inclusive events throughout July. Zander made headlines after coming out during his playing career by way of a quiet post on Facebook in 2022. He has also investigated homophobia in Scottish football in a documentary for the BBC's Disclosure programme. He recalled: 'I was just sitting on a balcony in Benidorm, no Instagram, no Twitter, just me thinking, I'm finally ready. So I made this wee post for the lads on my team. Fell asleep. Woke up to messages from Lorraine Kelly. I'm like, what the f*** is going on? I was literally told to get a flight to London to be on her show. It was insane. "I signed for a new club just after coming out, and suddenly the BBC documentary dropped early. I was presenting it, doing press, trying to stay match-fit. It was too much. I had to leave pre-season camp early to lead Edinburgh Pride. Two weeks later, I was off to Hong Kong to speak at the Gay Games. The advocacy just took over. 'I didn't play higher because I hated myself. I had this idea that if I went to a big club, someone would dig up a camp photo, post it on a forum, and the abuse would start. That fear stayed with me for years. I sabotaged myself before anyone else could. 'You don't get slagged for missing a pass. They go for your sexuality. Twitter, TikTok, the comments. It's brutal. And it messes with your head. You're already under pressure just being a footballer. Add all that, and it's too much.' Since then, Zander has become a tireless advocate for inclusivity in sport. He is now an award-winning keynote speaker, delivering talks and workshops across schools, football academies and corporate organisations including LinkedIn, Morgan Stanley, UEFA and the Hong Kong Gay Games, helping to shift attitudes and win over hearts and minds. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Zander said: 'I go into rooms of young boys and ask three questions. Who's heard homophobic language this month? In this club? Who's said it? And after I tell my story, you can see the penny drop. That moment is when things start to change.' Zander has travelled across the UK and internationally for advocacy work, from the Gay Games in Hong Kong to Pride events in Manchester and London, but says returning to Glasgow always hits differently. He added: 'Any work in Glasgow means everything to me. I don't have to slow my voice down. The crowds get it. I'm from here. It's personal. I see my younger self in all of them. 'You walk into a room in the east end and the lads are pure giggling, acting daft. But once you tell them what it was like growing up gay in a scheme, they get it. You see the shift happen in real time. That's the power of doing it here. 'When I saw my shirt in the museum at Hampden, next to legends like Sir Alex Ferguson and Denis Law, I felt like a total imposter. But then I thought, what if 13-year-old me saw that, that could've saved my life. 'They're smashing it at The Social Hub. Hosting sober events, listening, adapting. You feel seen there, and it's actually for the community.' Zander's upcoming event forms just part of the venue's temporary rebrand as the 'Pride Hub' for July, with a focus on inclusive, community-led programming. He said: "They asked for my input and actually acted on it. That doesn't happen often. It's a real partnership. No egos, just action. More of that, please.' In 2018, Zander's intense schedule and unprocessed stress caught up with him, forcing him to confront his own health and burnout. 'I burned out. Shingles, chronic fatigue. I've never fully shaken it. But it pushed me into something new," he said. "Now I'm thinking about training as a trauma-informed coach. I've got the psychology background, the lived experience, and the drive to help other people who feel like I used to. 'My advice to anyone who wants to do this kind of work is to sit down with your demons. Properly. Have a cup of tea with them. Once you've made peace with yourself, then you're ready. The hate will come. But so will the impact.'
Daily Record
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Former Aberdeen defender joins Cumbernauld Colts as boss thrilled with quality additions on and off the park
The Lowland League outfit have strengthened across various area in the past week John Doyle is thrilled with the quality of his recent signings at Cumbernauld Colts after bringing back to former players and landing ex-Aberdeen defender Zander Diamond in a coaching role. The Lowland League outfit, who were involved in a relegation scrap last season, snapped up Billy Mortimer and Callum Home from Albion Rovers, with the duo having only left Colts last season for Coatbridge. In the backroom team, Diamond has taken up a role after relegated Lowland League side Broomhill folded earlier this month. And boss Doyle said: 'We are delighted to get somebody of Zander's experience. With the level he has played at, there's no doubt he will bring a lot to the backline. 'I have known Zander for a while and we did parts of our B-licence together so it's great to have him here. He really feels he can bring something to the club and he will be a great addition for us. 'We obviously know Billy and we've done well to get him because there were a few clubs sniffing about him and making him good offers. 'He left previously as our top scorer and Callum left as our player of the year so it is great to get two good players back to the club. 'There might be another player from Albion Rovers on the way as well, but we've yet to get that over the line.' Meanwhile, Colts have announced a number of players who have re-signed for next season, whilst unveiling some new arrivals in the past week. Captain Cammy Dickson, Pat Moy, Cole McIntyre, Aidan Malcolm, Toby Ferrie, Danny Hatfield, Stephen Kearney and Ashton Pellow have all returned. Fresh faces include goalkeeper Scott Cowie and midfielder Scott Walker. Doyle added: 'We hope these will stand us in good stead and we are looking forward to the season because we feel we have done well in terms of recruitment. 'I'm delighted to get Cole McIntyre in again. Last season, he maybe didn't produce the levels we know he is capable of after an injury, so it is about getting his confidence levels up. 'His injury took a lot out of him mentally, but he had a good, strong end to last season so hopefully he will kick on. I'm really happy with the squad we have managed to assemble so far.'
