How do you cope with having the same name as a famous person? Do you hide away or come out and tell the world?

Inspired by their very own editor Nick Carter, Leicester Mercury staff have been speaking to locals who share their name with a well-known celebrity.

For those of you over the age of 30, the ‘other’ Nick Carter is a multi-millionaire member of arguably the biggest boy band in the world, the Backstreet Boys.

But sharing the same name is where the similarity ends – Backstreet Boy Nick is 21, and a pin-up for a generation of swooning female teenagers, while Leicester Mercury Nick hasn’t seen 21 for more than two decades.

Mercury editor Nick said: “I’ve heard of the Backstreet Boys, but I don’t think I could tell you any of their songs. I have a 20-year-old daughter who is too old for boy bands and a 17-year-old son who is too cool.

“It’s quite amusing to share the same name as a Backsteeet Boy, but I don’t think there’s much danger of people mistaking us. I haven’t noticed any women falling at my feet.”

Leicester-born Jon Holmes also has a famous namesake, although he is embarrassed to admit it, as he is John Holmes, a former bible student from Ohio who became the most famous male porn star ever.

Leicester Jon said: “Most people I meet, thankfully, are unaware of the link. But every time I go to the USA customs officials snigger when they see my name in my passport.”

Leicester’s real McCoy, Dermot O’Leary, is not jealous of his namesake, a rising star of Channel Four, although he wouldn’t mind having one more thing in common with him than their names.

Leicester Dermot said: “I’m the original and the best. I wouldn’t swap with him. I’ve had a fantastic life, I’ve got a beautiful wife, I’m happy as Leicester’s original Dermot O’Leary. I wouldn’t mind his bank balance though.”

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