The wax figure of football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo reigns supreme at Madame Tussauds London, attracting a daily deluge of lipstick marks from adoring fans. His likeness, a testament to his athletic prowess and striking looks, requires meticulous cleaning every morning before the museum opens its doors. Staff members begin their day at 5 am, diligently wiping away the evidence of countless kisses bestowed upon the Portuguese icon. This ritual highlights the enduring popularity of the 39-year-old athlete, who continues to command a devoted following despite his move to Saudi Arabia after a storied career with Manchester United. Ronaldo’s waxwork stands as a testament to his global appeal, drawing admirers from all corners of the world who express their affection in a most unconventional way.
Surprisingly, Ronaldo shares the dubious honor of being the most-kissed figure at Madame Tussauds with a far more sinister character: John Christie, a notorious serial killer from the 1940s and 50s. Christie, responsible for the murders of at least eight women, including his own wife, in his London flat, met his end on the gallows. The stark contrast between the celebrated footballer and the infamous murderer creates a peculiar juxtaposition within the museum. While Ronaldo’s popularity is readily understandable, the appeal of Christie as a recipient of kisses remains a baffling mystery. Speculation abounds, with some suggesting that the smooth surface of his bald head might present an irresistible target for playful visitors seeking a unique photo opportunity.
Madame Tussauds prides itself on maintaining the pristine condition of its wax figures, ensuring that they are impeccably presented for the enjoyment of its visitors. The daily cleaning ritual involving Ronaldo’s waxwork is but one example of the meticulous care taken to preserve the integrity of these lifelike representations. The museum acknowledges the unexpected popularity of both Ronaldo and Christie as recipients of kisses, highlighting the diverse and sometimes inexplicable motivations of its guests. While the reasons behind the attraction to Christie remain shrouded in uncertainty, the admiration for Ronaldo stems from his undeniable charisma and athletic achievements.
Beyond the curious case of Ronaldo and Christie, other wax figures at Madame Tussauds also attract their share of attention, albeit of a different nature. Boxer Anthony Joshua and actor Timothée Chalamet, known for his role in “Wonka,” are popular targets for affectionate pecks. Meanwhile, the wax figures of the pop group Little Mix frequently fall victim to petty theft, with their eyelashes regularly disappearing into the pockets of souvenir-seeking fans. These incidents underscore the challenges faced by the museum in preserving the integrity of its exhibits in the face of enthusiastic, and sometimes overly-enthusiastic, visitors.
The annals of Madame Tussauds are replete with tales of waxwork mishaps and curious interactions. Rapper Drake’s wax figure once suffered the indignity of having its head knocked off, while singer Harry Styles’ likeness lost an eye in an unfortunate toppling incident. Singer and actor Olly Alexander’s waxwork was subjected to an even more bizarre encounter, with a visitor leaving a banana tucked into the trousers of his effigy. These anecdotes serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of human behavior and the unexpected ways in which visitors interact with the wax figures, often blurring the lines between admiration and playful mischief.
The enduring fascination with wax figures lies in their ability to evoke a sense of connection with famous personalities. Whether motivated by admiration, playful curiosity, or a desire for a memorable photo opportunity, visitors to Madame Tussauds engage with these lifelike representations in a variety of ways. The museum, in turn, strives to maintain the integrity of its exhibits while acknowledging the unpredictable and often humorous interactions that occur between visitors and their wax counterparts. The stories of lipstick-covered Ronaldo, the mysteriously kissed Christie, and the pilfered eyelashes of Little Mix add a touch of human interest to the world of wax figures, reminding us that even in the realm of the inanimate, human connection and interaction find a way to manifest themselves, often in unexpected and amusing ways.
