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Wales Online
Wales Online
Lifestyle
Cathy Owen

April Fool's Day 2022: The best jokes from Wales and around the world

Happy April Fool's Day! The day when there is rather a lot of fake news around. From stories about Ryan Reynolds to play in goal for Wrexham this weekend to a new name for Mountain Ash, there have been plenty of attempts to 'fool' us. The day has been celebrated for several centuries by different cultures, though its exact origins remain a mystery.

April Fools’ Day traditions include playing hoaxes or practical jokes on others and then yelling “April Fools!”

But working out what is and what isn't an April Fools' joke is become more and more difficult so you may have your work cut out. April Fools' Day jokes last year included claims that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's secret marriage ceremony before their royal wedding was conducted by a clergyman dressed as Elvis.

READ MORE: Nine simple things you can do right now to save on your energy bills

Here are some of the pranks that have been pulled today:

Ryan Reynolds to play in goal

(Hadyn Iball / North Wales Live)

In February last year, Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds’ takeover of Wrexham AFC was officially completed.

The Daily Star reported today that Hollywood star Reynolds was planning to make another contribution to his club - but this time, on the pitch, after agreeing to play in goal for their FA Trophy semi-final against Stockport County on Saturday.

Police officers to get skateboards

(South Wales Police)

South Wales Police even got in on the act with news that officers were to be issued with a new form of getting around quicker.

The force's main account tweeted: "We’ve got some wheelie good news: we're the first UK force to be rolling out the use of skateboards.

"The boards will help officers carry out their work – from tackling anti-social behaviour to reassurance patrols and community engagement – on streets, parks, promenades."

Welsh town gets new name

(BBC Wales)

BBC Radio Wales presenter Wynne Evans announced that the town of Mountain Ash is to be renamed.

He said that, following a campaign, the Cynon Valley town will now be known as Mash.

Adding: "A Welsh translation of Stwnsh will replace the name Aberpennar. Wynne will be celebrating on BBC Radio Wales from 11am."

Kate Garraway falls for colleagues' prank

She thought Magic Mike star Channing Tatum was going to be in the studio (Publicity Picture)

Kate Garraway was left disappointed today as her Good Morning Britain colleagues pulled an April Fools' joke on her.

The presenter was busy discussing the premiere of The Lost City, starring Channing Tatum, with her colleagues in the studio today.

Talk soon turned to Magic Mike, Channing's movie about male strippers, as the well-recognised music from the movie played and the studio flashed their lights.

Vick then teased there was a surprise guest coming into the studio - none other than Channing Tatum.

Kate was shocked and she quickly sorted out her hair and got ready to welcome Channing onto the show - but it all turned out to be an elaborate joke by the whole team, leaving Kate gutted.

Anything can happen on live television

It wasn't the only prank on the morning breakfast show. W eather presenter Laura Tobin was broadcasting from a greenhouse where she was handed a unique plant by a guest who was describing its importance.

However, she 'accidentally' dropped the plant, with its pot smashing on the ground, which caused the guest to storm off.

Ant and Dec reveal their latest project

(antanddec/Instagram)

The comedy duo announced on their Instagram account that they had "big news" with the launch of a new currency called 'Toon Coin'.

They said: "This project has been in the works for a while having started it all the way back in the early 90s! Huge thanks to Safri Pollo for making it possible."

Walker launch new 'giant bread crisp'

(Walkers)

Walkers said that crisp sandwich lovers would be rejoicing with the launch of its new 'giant bread sized crisp' that has been especially designed for use in sandwiches.

They said the gigantic ‘Bread Shaped Crisp’, which measures an epic 11cm in height, is a totally flat, bread shaped crisp and that the new product came after research by Walkers revealed that nearly all (98%) of the nation agreed that crisps make sandwiches better*.

The launch message said: "The perfectly-sized sandwich companion has been launched to solve a big problem that crisp sandwich fans have been struggling with for years – crisps crumbling up and falling out the sides of their sandwiches and uneven bread coverage. Now, lovers of the lunchtime crisp sandwich can enjoy the delicious crunch of Walkers crisps without having to worry."

Under the sea

The team at the new Ty Milford waterfront hotel in Milford Haven shared a picture of their plans for the UK's first submerged hotel room.

They said: "Fall asleep under the starfish on our unique seabed when we open next week!"

Police in Australia team up with zoo

(Queensland Police)

Queensland Police were among the first to kick off the day of japes, hilariously telling its 225,000 followers it was teaming up with Australia Zoo to create an “elite new squad”.

It said Police Animals in the Wild (Paw) would “add more eyes, ears, wings and claws to help keep Queensland safe”, with the help of Robert Irwin.

Severn crossing to get new name

Welsh football fans said that renaming the bridge after Bale is a "fitting tribute" (Mark Lewis)

Did you spot the WalesOnline April Fools? Welsh football fans said that renaming the Prince of Wales bridge after Bale was a "fitting tribute".

The reports said that the Second Severn Crossing is to be renamed the Gareth Bale Bridge. The bridge, which was renamed after the Prince of Wales in 2018, was reported to be undergoing a further name change in recognition of the footballer's contribution to Welsh sport.

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