H from Steps: Joe Lycett reveals statue hoax
The image was provided by Channel 4.
In his Channel 4 program, Joe Lycett uncovered the truth.
H from Steps will not receive an 8ft statue in Cowbridge, which is very disappointing for his followers.
During his Channel 4 Show comeback on Friday, comedian Joe Lycett disclosed that he had planted several fabricated stories in the media within the past month.
H himself appeared as a guest on the Late Night Lycett show to refute the false information being circulated.
During the program, Lycett presented a segment about the prank and made a humorous remark: "I'm sure you're thinking that statue will eventually be dismantled because of its connection to the slave trade, right?"
According to him, the tale had received media attention from various sources, and it was even a topic of discussion on BBC Breakfast.
After the show, H spoke to BBC Wales and said that he and Joe are buddies. Joe had thought of making enjoyable fake news to divert attention from the negative fake news and it turned out to be successful!
"Many of these narratives have slipped under the radar - this particular one went unnoticed for a considerable duration."
The blog excerpt can be reformulated into plain English using different vocabulary: Ian H Watkins' Instagram account provided the photo.
He shared an update on the statue through his Instagram account.
He acknowledged that it was difficult to maintain the deception without revealing it to his loved ones - even his mother was bound by an oath of silence.
"I've been avoiding texts, kind messages, and greetings from all of my friends who are into pop music," he stated.
It's completely absurd, as our suggestion was similar to crafting an 8ft bronze sculpture of myself. It warms my heart that individuals found it reasonable and enjoyable.
"It was intentionally absurd, yet many were convinced of its authenticity, and I feel thrilled about that."
I was not expecting it to become so enormous. While taking a short vacation at a spa for a week and lying on a sunbed to unwind, my phone began buzzing non-stop. It was receiving numerous notifications from known personalities such as Debbie Gibson and Sophie Ellis Bextor congratulating me on my accomplishment.
After Lycett disclosed about the counterfeit tales he had dispersed, he made reporters in printed publications, TV, and on the internet search hastily through their pieces to verify if they were tricked.
Lycett claimed that his team intentionally spread lies about a bruise resembling Prince Harry and a Banksy artwork featuring Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz.
According to H, the hoax has diverted attention from various negative news stories in the media. Instead, it has highlighted individuals who spend their time complaining behind a keyboard and do not make meaningful contributions.
He expressed his appreciation for Joe's decision to feature this on a national platform, particularly during a time when there is a lot of animosity. He believes that showcasing some humor and happiness can bring positivity to the situation.
This was the most absurd thing, yet people fell for it. I had to send a message to my mother and inform her, saying "Hey, just wanted to give you a heads up that this is going to happen". She replied, "I won't say anything."
When the story was reported on BBC, it appeared as if it could be a lie, according to him. He said, "Good job for putting in some effort but you didn't fully investigate it. The fact that it was called Cultural Cowbridge was a clear sign it might not be accurate."
