Andy Harmer, a celebrity lookalike from Eastbourne, West Sussex, has shared the remarkable story of his career impersonating football icon David Beckham, revealing that he earned over £1 million in the role but faced serious personal challenges along the way. Now 46, Harmer has reflected on his journey from washing cars to living the high-profile double life of one of football’s most recognisable figures.
Harmer’s resemblance to Beckham was first noticed in his youth, leading him to join a lookalikes agency and steadily build a career impersonating the former Manchester United and England midfielder. Working alongside his then-girlfriend, Camilla Eldridge, who bore a striking likeness to Beckham’s wife, Victoria, the pair frequently appeared as the celebrity couple at parties and events. At the height of his career, Harmer earned up to £75,000 a year, and in total more than £1 million over roughly two decades.
Speaking to the Mirror, Harmer opened up about the demanding lifestyle that accompanied his work. “When Beckham went to football training, I went to parties,” he said, describing how the abundant nightlife and free-flowing drinks of the celebrity circuit deeply influenced him. “I was a mix between David Beckham and George Best, and I could easily drink three bottles of wine a night.”
Harmer admitted that his extended exposure to this “rock and roll lifestyle” took a toll on his health. Last year, he suffered a heart attack and was resuscitated nine times, subsequently being fitted with a stent. He pointed to his drinking habits in the years prior, saying, “I’d actually given up drinking eight months before, but I’m sure my heart attack was down to my rock and roll lifestyle.” He described how his usual intake ranged from red wine to double vodkas and cocktails across many nights.
Although Harmer retired from his role as a Beckham lookalike around the age of 40, the transition did not immediately resolve his issues with alcohol. He said, “When I retired as Beckham’s double, my addiction to alcohol got worse, and then we had lockdown, which didn’t help.” Harmer attributed some of his struggles to personal pain stemming from the loss of his mother at age 18 and subsequent relationship difficulties.
Despite encountering criticism during his career—such as negative comments during an appearance on the television show This Morning—Harmer still appreciates the unique journey he has undergone. “I feel lucky to be alive to celebrate my 46th. Every day is a bonus. When you have been so close to death, you certainly appreciate being alive,” he said. “And I’ve had an unbelievable life—it’s been crazy!”
Following his retirement from impersonation work, Harmer has stayed connected to the industry by founding and running a successful lookalike agency based in Eastbourne. He explained that after David Beckham’s retirement, demand for football-themed bookings declined, especially as newer football stars like Messi and Ronaldo rose in popularity. This prompted Harmer to focus on his agency as a sustainable business venture.
Looking ahead, Harmer observed a new generation of lookalike potential within his own family. His daughter, Scarlett Rose, aged 11, has been noted to resemble Harper Beckham, the 13-year-old daughter of David and Victoria Beckham. While Scarlett appears more interested in managing the agency than pursuing celebrity impersonation herself, Harmer remarks on the serendipitous connection his work has provided, including meeting his daughter’s mother during a trip with other lookalikes.
Andy Harmer’s story encapsulates the highs and lows of life as a professional celebrity impersonator, highlighting both the financial success and personal challenges inherent to such an unusual career path.
Source: Noah Wire Services