Am I really that big a star?

Photo: Jason Lock

Brian Cox for Madame Tussauds Blackpool.Picture: Jason LockFurther info: Louise ForderMarketing Manager (Blackpool Cluster)Tel: 01253 629239 Email: louise.forder@merlinentertainments.bizFull credit always required as stated in T&C's. PR and Press release use only, no further reproduction without prior permission.Picture © Jason Lock Photography+44 (0) 7889 152747+44 (0) 161 431 4012info@jasonlock.co.ukwww.jasonlock.co.uk

PROFESSOR Brian Cox said he was stunned to receive a call from Madame Tussauds asking if he would like his very own wax figure as the Oldham-born physicist thought he "wasn't famous enough".

But now the attraction in Blackpool is launching not one but two versions of TV's favourite Professor with a 3D hologram of the physicist alongside a traditional waxwork.

Professor Cox, whose wax figure appears with his his signature bright, animated smile, standing relaxed with an open hand gesture as if addressing his audience, said: "When I first got the call that Madame Tussauds wanted to make a waxwork figure of me my first reaction was I'm not famous enough.

"I remember watching on Blue Peter or Newsround when I was a 10 years old how the waxworks were made and they were always of Queen or Michael Jackson.

"So I though why are you wanting to call a physicist up?"

Visitors will not just able to take selfies with the Professor, they'll also be able to learn some physics along the way with a new interactive experience.

A digital hologram of Professor Cox will take them out of this world and into an immersive lesson focusing on the wonders of the universe.

The secrets of the solar system, orbiting planets, moons and black holes will all feature in the experience.

General manager, Matthew Titherington, said: "The one-of-a-kind 3D hologram of Professor Cox, as well as the specially designed solar system exhibit, is something totally unique to the attraction ­- a UK first ­- which will hopefully both excite and educate guests in equal measure.

"We can't wait to see our visitors reaction at Brian's arrival to the attraction, as he's such a much-loved public figure, with both young and older generations alike."