Paul Mescal left speechless as he ‘meets’ his creepy lookalike on BBC Radio 2 after impersonation competition in Dublin

Paul Mescal was left speechless after he met the winner of his lookalike contest over video call on Wednesday morning.

The Gladiator actor, 28, appeared on Zoe Ball’s BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show alongside his co-stars Denzel Washington and Connie Nielsen.

However, the Irish star didn’t know that Zoe had a surprise in store for him when she presented him with the winner of the Paul Mescal lookalike competition which took place in Dublin earlier this month.

When Jack Wall O’Reilly, now otherwise known as ‘earbuds Paul’, got on the phone, Paul was shocked when he exclaimed: ‘These are bananas.’

Speaking to Jack, Paul joked: ‘I actually saw the picture, I didn’t know it was happening until it was over and I think you captured the spirit of me very well.’

His lookalike then replied: ‘Thank you very much. I assumed you were at home with your family getting some rest after the long press tour.’

Paul Mescal was left speechless as he ‘meets’ his creepy lookalike over the phone on BBC Radio 2 on Wednesday after THE impersonation competition in Dublin earlier this month

When Jack Wall O’Reilly (pictured), now otherwise known as ‘earbuds Paul’, got on the phone, Paul was shocked when he exclaimed: ‘This is bananas’

Jack pictured at the lookalike competition where he won a grand prize of £20 or three pints whichever he preferred

“Oh, you’re so sweet and thoughtful,” Paul replied.

Denzel then asked, ‘Wait turn to the page, I want to see the profile’, to which Jack agreed, ‘yeah, everyone says that’s the profile,’ as those in the studio exclaimed at the similarity.

Jack revealed that he recently graduated with a Masters in Screenwriting and citing Paul as an inspiration he gushed: ‘I’m a huge fan, massive respect for everyone there. Obviously, Paul, Aftersun is one of my favorite movies.

“He’s a great inspiration to young creative people in Ireland and around the world and I hope one day through the appropriate channels when I’ve got an idea that I’m passionate and developed enough that I might be able to bring it to you.”

“Oh Jack, you’re an absolute gentleman,” added Paul.

Several Mescal impersonators turned up at Smithfield Square in north Dublin for the playful competition ahead of the actor’s appearance at the Irish premiere of Gladiator II two weeks ago.

The challengers were all dressed in what has become known as Paul’s signature look: white sports shorts and a pair of headphones.

In a video from the competition, a group of finalists were seen lined up as one of the organizers asked the audience to clap for their favourite.

Speaking to Jack, Paul joked: ‘I actually saw the picture, I didn’t know it was happening until it was over and I think you captured the spirit of me very well’

Jack revealed that he recently graduated with a Masters in Screenwriting, citing Paul as an inspiration, expressing: ‘I’m a huge fan and have a lot of respect for everyone there. Obviously, Paul, Aftersun is one of my favorite movies

Denzel then asked: ‘Wait turn to the side, I want to see the profile’, to which Jack agreed: ‘yeah, everyone says it’s the profile’, to which everyone in the studio exclaimed at the similarity (Paul pictured at the Governors Awards on Sunday)

Most of the finalists received a rather lukewarm response from the audience except for one who received a big round of applause.

The man hosting said: ‘Apparently there is only one perfect Mescal. Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together.’

The winner then held a novelty check paid out for €20 ‘or three pints’.

The winner said: ‘I think there’s a Paul Mescal in all of us and thanks to everyone for coming out.’

The idea behind the lookalike contest was sparked after a Timothée Chalamet lookalike contest was held in New York and the Hollywood actor shocked fans by showing up.

Fans gathered in Dublin unfortunately did not have the same experience as Paul did not arrive for the competition.