A 30-year-old man changed his name to CELINE DION after getting drunk while watching one of her Christmas concerts.
Thomas Dodd – now known as Celine – had a few too many glasses of wine one night and decided to pay £89 to officially take the Canadian singer’s name.
The hospitality manager forgot all about the name change the following day – until the official Deed Poll documents landed on this doorstep on Wednesday (30/12).
Celine superfan Thomas says he no plans to change his name back as it hopes it might get him backstage at one of her future gigs.
But he admits he is dreading telling his bosses about his new moniker and that his mum has not seen the funny side either.
Thomas said he had the booze-fuelled idea after getting sozzled one night before Christmas while watching a Celine Dion Las Vegas concert on Youtube.
Lifelong fan Thomas, of Clifton Campville, Tamworth, Staffs., said: “I had been planning to go and see her in Vegas but obviously couldn’t due to Covid.
“So I’ve become a bit hooked with watching her concerts on Youtube as its the next best thing. I’m a bit obsessed with her and always have been.
“But I don’t know why it crossed my mind to change my name to hers. I can’t really remember the night and forgot all about it the next day.
“I remember watching the Celine Dion concert of her performing in Vegas and that is about all I can remember. I wish I knew what happened but it was a hazy night.
“I then came home from work on Wednesday and there was a big white envelope on the floor by the door which said ‘do not bend’.
“It looked quite important and it was full of all these official certificates. As soon as I read it I had to sit down in the kitchen.
“I was like ‘this can’t be real’ but it’s as real as it gets. I just don’t remember doing it. I must have thought it was a great idea and just did it online there and then.
“I’m a bit of a Celine Dione superfan and obviously just thought this would be hilarious – but my mum doesn’t think so, she wasn’t best pleased.
“I did tell her it could be worse and it could’ve been Boris Johnson – we’re just lucky he doesn’t have any live concerts on Youtube.
“She finds it funny now though, as does my sister, but she nearly choked on her sandwich when I told her.
“I’m also dreading telling work – how do I tell them they have to refer to me as Celine Dion from now on?
“I’m a lifelong fan and I went to see her a couple of years ago but my dream is to still go out and see her in Vegas. I think she is just amazing and has an incredible voice.
“I am hoping this comes with its perks as well and maybe I can get backstage at a concert and some first-class flights.
“I am more upset that I haven’t inherited the voice or the bank account – but that is something I can work on. I’m in no rush to change my name back.”
Thomas, who is currently working on a Covid testing site whilst furloughed, joked he might end up being sectioned if he was ever to get pulled over by police.
He added: “I have fears of being pulled over by the police and can just imagine them asking ‘can I take your name please?’
“And I’m going to have to say yes it’s Celine, surname Dion.
“But if it gives people a laugh this year then I don’t care. I think we could all do with a laugh after the year we’ve just had.
“I haven’t spoken to my work yet as I am currently volunteering at a Covid volunteer site and I cannot wait to say at the entrance what’s your name, mine is Celine Dion.
“As I am furloughed I just thought I would do my bit as I don’t like sitting at home.
“But my work know by now that I am bonkers so they should be fine with it. It’s not something I ever dreamed I would have to explain to them.
“I’ve been known to do a few silly things on nights out but never thought I could manage something this daft while staying at home watching Youtube.”
