A world-first television show that uses deep fake technology to create disputes between celebrities including Beyonce and Billie Eilish has hit our screens.
Created by Spencer Jones, the six-part comedy impressions show transforms comedians and impressionists into famous faces, which also include Adele, Kim Kardashian, Olivia Colman and Greta Thunberg.
But instead of living lives of luxuries in the public eye, they are everyday people living in suburbs across the United Kingdom and are each engaged in petty neighbourhood disputes.
Nicki Minaj and Tom Holland are not happy with Mark Zuckerberg next door, Harry Kane’s perfect patio is damaged by upstairs neighbour Stormzy, and Dental Hygienist Billie clashes with neighbour Beyonce when she starts working from home.
Meanwhile Ariana Grande is a scaffolder married to florist Conor McGregor and while the pair love a bit of festive cheer keeping their Christmas decorations up throughout the year, it annoys teen mum Greta, who just wants to live a peaceful life with her son Algae.
Each episode of the ITVX series starts with a disclaimer to remind viewers that there is some smoke and mirrors to what they are seeing, while they end with the deep fakes falling away to reveal the people behind them.
But just who are the people who have been tasked with playing some of the most famous people on the planet?
Francine Lewis– Kim Kardashian
Francine Lewis, a former star of Britain’s Got Talent, made it all the way to the finale of the 2013 season by wowing the judges with her impressions.
Playing Kim Kardashian, who is a bus driver in Catford (a far cry from her real-life residence in Calabasas), she and her neighbour Idris Elba have a spat over their shared garden.
Francine, when asked if Kim would find her new situation ‘funny,’ told us that she felt Kim would find it hilarious.
‘I think she has a good sense of humour,’ she said.
‘I don’t think there is anything about any of the characters that anyone would be upset by or kick up a fuss,’ she added.
‘I think it has all been written really well.’
Katia Kvinge- Ariana Grande, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Adele, Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa…plus many others
Katie Kvinge, who plays eight different famous people, is the show’s most versatile actor.
The Scottish impressionist and comedian routinely develops and performs comic content for BBC online, with her videos reaching over 20 million views. Her performances at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival span from 2009 to 2019.
She also portrays Lorraine Kelly, a role that was embraced by the real Kelly when she mentioned the Deep Fake Neighbor Wars earlier this week.
‘Andy Murray is my son and Ruth Law is my neighbour…
I don’t mind the sound of that,’ she said.
Katia also takes on the roles of Olivia Colman, Gal Gadot, and Greta Thunberg.
Al Foran- Conor McGregor and Mark Wahlberg
In 2015, Irish comedian Al Foran’s career took off as he made a name for himself with his imitation of UFC star Conor McGregor.
And since the florist husband of Ariana Grande, the boxer, was the only one who could have done it, it was evident that there was no other option.
Since this is his first TV appearance, his already-huge Instagram following is likely to expand even more.
Schieffer Bates- Matthew McConaughey
OK, fine OK, I guess Okay, one of the most recognisable Hollywood actors’ most famous phrases will undoubtedly be utilised at some point in this series, so be on the lookout for Schieffer Bates/Matthew McConaughey.
It would appear that Matthew is his typical laid-back self, but he becomes involved in a feud with Floyd Mayweather and Dua Lipa over a tree.
Schieffer Bates’s comedy sketches and pranks have earned him over 2.3 million followers and over 700 million views across YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok by impersonating characters from popular TV shows like Peaky Blinders, Gordon Ramsay (Hell’s Kitchen), and Game of Thrones, the latter of which landed him an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Carmen Green- Cardi B and Nicki Minaj
Carmen Green, who is most known for her imitations of Cardi B on TikTok, is also making her TV debut in this episode.
In the show, Cardi is a new bride who has moved to Devon with her husband Tyson Fury to escape the city for a quieter lifestyle.
Nicki Minaj, who is currently dating Tom Holland, is also portrayed by Carmen.
Aurie Styla- Idris Elba
Aurie Styla, a London-based stand-up comedian and actor, portrays Idris Elba, a resident of Catford.
Before Kim Kardashian moved in above him, Idris was living well as a handyman, bartender, mobile phone repairer, auto detailer, caterer, delivery driver, and DJ.
A gardener who takes great pride in his or her work Idris gets worked up when she starts taking advantage of their shared garden, and when he refuses to let her have any of it, the atmosphere rapidly becomes poisonous.
While Idris prefers to avoid crowds at all costs, Aurie earns his fortune performing for them.
He has been on shows such as Jonathan Ross‘ Comedy Club and Don’t Hate The Playaz and in documentaries such as Mo Gilligan‘s Black British & Funny and he hosts the show The Scene on BBC Radio London.
Luke Kempner- Jake Paul, Andy Murray and Harry Kane
Luke Kempner, who had the difficult task of portraying three professional sportsmen, fortunately didn’t have to bulk up too much.
Despite the actor, comedian, impressionist, and singer’s best efforts, the three guys in question are not professional boxers, tennis players, or football players; rather, they are simply three men going about their normal, daily lives.
Luke, a new cast member on Spitting Image, has presented “Alternative Love Island” and “Alternative Game of Thrones” in comedy videos that have gone viral and amassed over three million views.
He has also made guest appearances on shows including “Celebrity Karaoke Club,” “Murder in Successville,” “The Last Leg,” “It Takes Two,” and “Steph’s Packed Lunch.”
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Tony Lapidus- Mark Zuckerberg and Tyson Fury
Tony Lapidus played the roles of both Facebook’s creator and a professional boxer, two people who couldn’t be more different from one another.
Mark begins breaking into his neighbor’s house, while Tyson gets into trouble with Simon Cowell for forgetting to take out the trash on the correct day.
Using “hurtful language,” Tyson’s wife Cardi as a “blow-in,” setting off a spat that has lasted for more than a year.
Yiannis Vassilakis – Tom Holland, Tom Hiddleston and Simon Cowell
Tom Holland’s affection for his wife, Cardi B, is palpable.
Even if he is completely enamoured with her (as seen by his wearing a nameplate necklace and matching pink tracksuits), having Mark Zuckerberg around to their house is disturbing.
Yiannis Vassilakis, a veteran of comedic web series’ writing, producing, and performing, takes on the role of the actor better known as Spider Man.
He’ll also be popping up in EastEnders very shortly.
Deep Fake Neighbour Wars is streaming on ITVX.
