Paul Mescal was left speechless after meeting the winner of his lookalike competition via video call on Wednesday morning.

The Gladiator actor, 28, appeared on Zoe Ball’s BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show alongside his co-stars Denzel Washington and Connie Nielsen.

However, little did the Irish star know that Zoe had a surprise in store for him when she introduced him to the winner of the Paul Mescal lookalike competition that took place in Dublin earlier this month.

When Jack Wall O’Reilly, now known as ‘Earbud Paul’, came on the phone, Paul was shocked as he exclaimed:These are bananas.’

Speaking to Jack, Paul joked: ‘I actually saw the picture, I didn’t know it was happening until it was over and I think you captured the spirit of me really well.’

His lookalike then replied, “Thank you so much. I assumed you were home with your family resting after the long press tour.”

Paul Mescal was left speechless when he ‘met’ his creepy lookalike over the phone on BBC Radio 2 on Wednesday after THAT impersonator competition in Dublin earlier this month

When Jack Wall O’Reilly (pictured), now known as ‘Earbud Paul’, came on the phone, Paul was shocked as he exclaimed: ‘These are bananas’

Jack introduced himself in the lookalike competition where he won a top prize of £20 or three pints depending on his preference

“Oh, you’re so kind and thoughtful,” Paul replied.

Denzel then asked, “Wait, turn to the side, I want to see the profile,” to which Jack agreed, “yeah, everyone says it’s the profile,” as those in the studio exclaimed at the similarity.

Jack revealed he recently graduated with a Masters in Screenwriting, citing Paul as an inspiration: “I’m a huge fan, huge respect for everyone there. Clearly, Paul, Aftersun is one of my favorite films.

‘He is a great inspiration to young creative people in Ireland and around the world and I hope that one day, through the right channels, if I have an idea, it’s passionate and developed enough that maybe I can bring it to you .’

“Oh Jack, you’re an absolute gentleman,” Paul added.

Several Mescal impersonators descended on Smithfield Square in north Dublin for the playful competition ahead of the actor’s appearance at the Irish premiere of Gladiator II two weeks ago.

The contenders were all dressed in what is known as Paul’s signature look: white sports shorts and headphones.

A video of the competition showed a group of finalists lined up as one of the organizers asked the audience to clap for their favorite.

Speaking to Jack, Paul joked: ‘I actually saw the picture, I didn’t know it was happening until it was over and I think you captured the spirit of me really well’

Jack revealed he recently graduated with a Masters in Screenwriting, citing Paul as an inspiration: “I’m a huge fan, huge respect for everyone there. Clearly Paul, Aftersun is one of my favorite films’

Denzel then asked, “Wait, turn to the side, I want to see the profile,” to which Jack agreed, “yeah, everyone says this is the profile,” as everyone in the studio exclaimed at the similarity (Paul pictured during the Governors Awards on Sunday)

Most of the finalists received a fairly lukewarm response from the audience, except one who received a big round of applause.

The host said: ‘There is clearly only one perfect Mescal. Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together.’

The winner then held up a novelty check worth €20 ‘or three pints’.

The winner said: ‘I think there is a Paul Mescal in all of us and thanks everyone for coming.’

The idea behind the lookalike contest came about after a Timothée Chalamet lookalike contest was held in New York and the Hollywood actor shocked fans by showing up.

Fans who gathered in Dublin unfortunately did not have the same experience as Paul who did not arrive for the match.