Paul Mescal was left totally stunned when he met his lookalike, who bore an uncanny likeness to the actor.
The 28-year-old was faced with his doppelganger while appearing on Zoe Ball’s Radio 2 Breakfast Show alongside his Gladiator II co-stars Denzel Washington and Connie Nielsen.
Ball sprung a surprise on the Irish star by introducing him to the winner of a Paul Mescal lookalike competition that took place in Dublin earlier this month.
Jack Wall O’Reilly impressed the crowds with his green hoodie, white Adidas shorts and wired earphones, scooping the whopping cash prize of €20.
He tuned into the BBC Radio 2 show via video call, prompting a shocked Mescal to exclaim: “This is bananas!”
Speaking to Jack, he added, laughing: “I actually saw the photo [of you at the competition]. I didn't know it was happening until it was over and I think you captured the spirit of me very well.”
Referring to his much-documented love of tiny shorts, the actor went on: “You wore the short shorts. It was a fully committed look.”
Wall O’Reilly replied: “Thank you very much. I presumed you were at home with your family getting some rest after the long press tour.'
“Oh, you are so nice and thoughtful,” Mescal exclaimed.
Washington remarked, “Like twins!” and added: “Wait, wait, turn sideways I want to see the profile!”
O’Reilly admitted, “Yeah, everyone says it’s the profile,” before giving the group a view of his jawline from either side.
Mescal and the others in the studio erupted into shocked gasps at the resemblance between him and Wall O’Reilly.
Wall O’Reilly revealed he recently graduated with a Masters in Screenwriting and told Mescal: “I am a huge fan, massive respect for everyone there. Obviously Paul, Aftersun is one of my favourite films.
“He is a great inspiration for young creative people in Ireland and all around the world and I hope someday through the appropriate channels when I have got an idea I am passionate and is developed enough that maybe I might get to bring it to you.”
“Oh Jack, you are an absolute gentleman. So, so sweet,” the Normal People actor replied, smiling.
The Mescal lookalike competition comes amid a string of similar celebrity likeness contests this month, for actor Timothée Chalamet in New York and singer Harry Styles in London.
@paulmescallookalike This might be our best dupe yet👬 tc’s apply we are not associated with Paul Mescal, if you’re his lawyer keep scrolling #lidl #lidlireland #ireland #dupe #dublin #paulmescal gladiator@lidlireland
♬ original sound - paulmescallookalike
Elsewhere during Mescal’s radio interview, he was quizzed by a young fan about why his shorts are so short.
“Hi, my name is Lily, I’m five years old. Hi, Paul. Why are your shorts so short?” the fan asked over the phone.
The All Of Us Strangers actor burst out laughing, before saying: “It’s a good question, Lily. Lily’s mum definitely asked her that. They’re short, Lily, they’re sports shorts.
“They’re not custom made for me to be short, they’re just very practical for exercise, and they’re great for running in.”
He joked: “I might next summer just like, have my bum [hanging out]... Just go for the hot pants next summer.”
