Welsh broadcaster Carol Vorderman has thrown an unexpected splash of celebrity colour into the Clacton by-election - after publicly hunting for Count Binface merchandise and later confirming she had bought three of his T-shirts.
Her posts to her 710,000 Instagram followers- asking "Do you know where we can get Count Binface merch from?" - quickly gathered hundreds of comments, with fans urging the satirical candidate to release bin stickers so supporters could decorate their wheelie bins in solidarity.
Carol, who grew up in Prestatyn and began her academic journey at Blessed Edward Jones Catholic High School in Rhyl, later updated followers: "Thank you all so much.
"I’ve just ordered 3 tee shirts from countbinface.com… now I need a hat and stickers pls."
Her light-hearted endorsement comes as the Clacton by-election - triggered by Nigel Farage’s decision to resign as an MP and attempt to reclaim his seat - is set for August 13 - a date already being called Bin Day by some.
With the Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats boycotting the contest - describing Mr Farage’s move as a stunt - Count Binface could become Mr Farage's highest profile opponent on the ballot paper.
The intergalactic candidate is known for manifesto pledges ranging from building at least one affordable home to nationalising Adele, capping croissant prices, and relocating a hand dryer in a Uxbridge pub to "a more sensible position".
Other policies have included reducing the price of 99 Flakes to 99p, renaming London Bridge "Phoebe Waller-Bridge", and forcing Thames Water bosses to "take a dip in the Thames" in protest at sewage discharges.
Potential candidates have until July 17 to submit nominations.
Mr Farage previously held an 8,405 majority in 2024, but resigned amid questions over a £5 million gift from Reform donor Christopher Harborne and support from George Cottrell.
An investigation by Parliamentary Standards Commissioner Daniel Greenberg has been paused due to his resignation - but will resume if he wins and returns to the Commons.
Mr Farage has framed the contest as "people versus the establishment", telling TalkTV: "They’re trying to turn it into a joke."
Carol’s playful intervention may not shift the political dial - but it has certainly added a dash of North Wales humour to a by-election already attracting national attention.
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