CHORLEY businessman John Woods is turning heads as a dead-ringer for miserable EastEnders star Mike Reid aka Frank Butcher.

Now, John (pictured) is hoping his looks will make him a real winner in the final of Madame Tussaud's Search for a Lookalike Star which could earn him a one-year contract with one of the country's top talent agencies.

John is so like one-time comedian Mike Reid that his wife Dianne couldn't resist sending his picture in to the panel of judges.

John, 58, a sales manager from Spendmore Lane, Coppull, said: "I haven't really noticed that I look like Frank Butcher himself. I didn't even know Dianne had sent a picture of me in.

"I mean, I do get the odd comment from people in the street who call me Frank, but mostly it has been my family that's ribbed me about it more!"

"I don't really make a big deal out of it, really. I know I look like him, but I don't really act like him. I suppose I'm lucky to look like someone famous - or unlucky - depending on what you think!"

He will be up against 19 other hopefuls in the final judging session at London's legendary Baker Street celebrity hot spot on Wednesday March 10.

The competition includes Liz Taylor from Manchester, Sly Stallone from Stockport and Sophie Rees-Jones from Cheshire - to name but a few.

John thinks he's in with a good chance of scooping the first prize, but he said he just wants to have a good time while in London.

He added: "When Dianne and me are in London, it will be our 32nd wedding anniversary, so it will be nice to get away.

"We'll be staying in a nice five-star hotel while we are there, all paid for, so we are going to make the most of it! I hope I win, but I won't be disappointed if I lose.

"You never know, I might even meet Mike Reid while I'm down there in London! Maybe he can give me a few tips!"

Up for grabs is a 12-month contract as a professional lookalike and according to Ron Mowlam from Celebrity Lookalikes, there's plenty of demand.

He said: "We are asked to find celebrity doubles for all types of events - from adding a touch of pzazz at parties to pepping up photo shots. A good lookalike can expect a varied range of work!"

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