Moore wax figure unveiled at Boleyn

With the 2014 FIFA World Cup nearly upon us, Madame Tussauds London unveiled a new wax figure of England's only ever World Cup winning-captain, the late, great Bobby Moore on Monday.

The figure, fittingly, was revealed at the Boleyn Ground, in front of the Bobby Moore Stand, prior to its taking up permanent residence at Madame Tussauds' London venue from Tuesday 20 May.        

The staggeringly lifelike figure shows Moore in jubilant celebration after famously leading England to victory over West Germany. Smiling triumphantly, the figure is dressed in vintage England kit and holds aloft a replica of the Jules Rimet Cup, which has been faithfully replicated by the attraction's talented studio artists.

Bobby Moore wax figure

Competition winners get up close and personal with the wax figure

Champion fundraiser Jonjo Heuerman was among the competition winners to enjoy a glimpse of the wax figure in this unique setting and was struck by the astonishing likeness.  

"It just looks really realistic to me and that's as close as I'll ever get to seeing him in real life," he said. "It's really special to me, because obviously I've never had the chance to see him life-size, or in person, and Monday was the day!   

"It's so real! It's amazing how the art work has taken place. It took four months and it just looks like Bobby."    

Meanwhile, West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan said: "It's fantastic to see Bobby's wax figure beginning its journey at the Boleyn Ground, where he spent so many wonderful years with us.

"I'm sure West Ham United fans are going to love it and that their support made this happen in the first place, makes it all the more special. As a Club we will forever honour Bobby's memory and I look forward to seeing his latest wax figure in person." 

Similarly, Roberta Moore, Bobby Moore's daughter, who is already planning a trip to Madame Tussauds London to see the figure first hand, commented: "I remember going to Madame Tussauds with my dad when I was a little girl for the unveiling of the original wax figure so this has brought back very fond memories. 

"Madame Tussauds have really done an amazing job, the new figure really captures his smile which made me cry! I feel very proud."   

The figure's creation was the result of a hotly contested public vote last year, with Bobby Moore taking more than 90% of a Madame Tussauds London poll to determine which footballing great should be honoured at the world famous attraction in time for this year's FIFA World Cup™.

Nicole Fenner, PR Manager at Madame Tussauds London, explained:  "We wanted to create a figure of a footballing legend for this year's competition, but who that should be opened up huge debate.

"We decided to let football fans decide, and there was overwhelming consensus with Bobby Moore beating other legends like Ronaldo, Maradona and Pelé with the lion share of votes. It was a total landslide victory, and we're delighted to be able to introduce him to football fans this morning on a pitch he knew and loved. Moore undoubtedly holds a special place in the nation's heart and we can't wait for fans to meet his figure in the attraction from Tuesday."  

The Moore figure will join a host of other sporting personalities including Olympians, Mo Farah and Jessica Ennis-Hill, and fellow footballing legend, Pelé. Find out more about the Madame Tussauds London line up here: www.madametussauds.com/London.