April Fool's Day 2024: Best jokes and pranks as world celebrates day of mischief (original) (raw)
April Fool's Day has once again left many in stitches with hilarious joked and pranks - and we picked out all the very best ones played this year.
Anyone not aware of the date may well have fallen for a cheeky gag or two from newspapers, companies and celebrities in the morning. However, tradition dictates that pranksters only had until midday before having to come clean, after which they become the fool.
The day's exact origins have long been a mystery, but it has close similarities ancient Roman festivals such as Hilaria, and the Holi celebration in India. These days, many companies and online brands are keen to get in on the act to promote their products with the best possible jokes.
Last year, a major supermarket pranked UK customers when it announced a black pudding candle, Babybel went square to be 'taken more seriously', and Ant and Dec were claimed to be in talks for a new Bond movie.
This live blog has now ended
23:06Ryan Fahey
Wild bears spotted roaming through Cumbria
Haweswater RSPB nature reserve in Cumbria announced on social media that bears had been spotted roaming through the reserve.
They said: “Our landscape restoration work has been so successful that the first Brown Bear has returned to roam Wild Haweswater's forests once more.
“With this big fella around, if you're out and about this, remember to stick to public rights of way, keep dogs on leads and take your rubbish home with you.”
Thanks for following along with our April Fool's live blog, which is now finished.
21:01Ryan Fahey
Claims of Woodstock festival predating iconic 60s hippie fest an April Fool's prank
Blenheim Palace has confirmed that its claim to have discovered a festival called Woodstock 200 years before the iconic New York state gathering was actually an April Fool's prank.
Earlier, BBC Oxford said that archivists had found evidence of 200 people attending the event in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, back in 1769.
The site later admitted that though Blenheim Palace does have a "great history of music concerts", this one was "designed for 1 April".
There had been a clue in the initial release. The statement said a singer named Vincent Furnier had performed, which is actually the real name of rock legened Alice Cooper.
19:49Ryan Fahey
Jeremy Vine forced to explain video showing hawk swooping to attack his drone
Jeremy Vine shared an April Fool's video in which a hawk swooped in to attack his drone flying over Hyde Park.
Vine, 58, who hosts a BBC Radio 2 show, shared a clip of himself cycling along an empty lane in London's Hyde Park early this morning as a huge bird flies into shot.
The footage then cuts out as it appears the massive hawk took out his expensive drone. Vine is then heard saying: "Oh b******s."
He often shares videos of himself cycling around in London to expose the bad behaviour of motorists.
Vine posted the clip this morning with a caption reading: 'WHAT THE HELL — using a drone for today's early cycle ride, and it got taken out by a hawk or red kite in HYDE PARK FFS. Smashed to bits, £400 gone in a second".
The video sparked outrage on social media, but Vine later clarified that it was just an April Fool's hoax.
WHAT THE HELL — using a drone for today's early cycle ride, and it got taken out by a hawk or red kite in HYDE PARK FFS. Smashed to bits, £400 gone in a second pic.twitter.com/9Ln5Jp67zO
— Jeremy Vine (@theJeremyVine) April 1, 2024
19:08Ryan Fahey
Ant and Dec suprise fans by stepping away for big career move
Ant and Dec told their legions of fans they were 'taking a break' from TV, for an April Fool that claimed the presenters were stepping away from the camera to launch their own restaurant.
Days after the latest episode of their smash hit ITV show Saturday Night Takeaway, the Geordie duo got everyone talking once again as they took to their X and Instagram with new of a major career announcement. The whole thing looked very legit, thanks to Ant and Dec sharing a photo of an online article about their 'surprising' career change, which explained that the hosts were going to be taking a 'hiatus' from television, in order to focus on a new venture which would see them release their own recipe book and open a pop up restaurant which would give customers the opportunity to sample their 'groundbreaking cooking.'
The article featured quotes from both Ant and Dec, with Ant boasting about what a hit his beans on toast is with his family and adding that he was looking forward to working alongside sous chef Dec. Dec declared opening their own restaurant had been a 'dream' from him and Ant for 'some time' and, although many of their followers were quick to call April Fool, others were quick to tell the lads just how upset they were that the news wasn't true.
18:59Ryan Fahey
Search and rescue sheep deployed on Dartmoor
Anyone running into trouble hiking on Dartmoor could see a woolly rescuer trotting over to save them.
Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team announced that the mammals are equipped with hi-vis bandanas and bells around their necks. This is so casualties know they're on their way.
"They're the perfect animal to be searching," team vet Ashley said.
"They're already domesticated, there's plenty of them, they're adapted to our hill conditions, they come with their own jackets, you don't need to carry food and water for them, they're very easily trained."
18:17Ryan Fahey
Zurich police announces cats to join their canine unit
Police in Switzerland said that cats would also be joining their canine ranks, along with chickens.
"After [a period of] long planning, intensive selection, and many hours of training, today the time has come [to announce] we are supplementing our service dogs with service cats," the Zurich City Police said.
"Their quiet velvet paws and compact body mass are ideal for use in confined spaces, but also for house searches and peaceful Mantrailing," they said.
Zurich police say that cats will be joining their dog sniffer units (
Image:
Getty Images)
18:09Ryan Fahey
Farm releases video of pig driving off in a van
CCTV has captured the hilarious moment that a pig 'let off the handbrake' on the van he was travelling in.
The hilarious footage shows Olivia Mikhail, racing to get control of Kew Little Pigs 'pig mobile' before Smudge the pig can be seen hooting the horn in the driver's seat.
The humorous incident, which the farm is releasing on April Fool's Day, shows Olivia briefly getting out of the van to open a door to the barn, but behind her the van is rolling away with Smudge on board.
Olivia, who founded the award-winning Amersham attraction in 2010, said: "Smudge really is a cheeky thing, and is so curious. He's the perfect character to join in with this fun video and loved to honk the van's horn."
17:16Ryan Fahey
London gym chain launches workout class for dogs
Gymbox - a popular London gym chain - has launched a workout class for dogs and their owners dubbed Gymbarx.
"With more and more Londoners looking for new ways to treat their pets, it made perfect sense to not only let dogs visit Gymbox but to create their very own fitness class," said Rory McEntee, Gymbox brand and marketing director.
Among the exercises are downward dog stretches, fence jumps, "furpees" and leash pulls. The class will end with tennis ball track sprints and a "hair of the dog" HIIT.
16:49Ryan Fahey
Toilet paper company launches roll to Uranus
Who Gives A Crap, a sustainable toilet paper company, says it has launched a roll into space to visit Uranus.
"With billionaires chucking cars into space and taking their midlife crises to the moon, we thought it was time to do something truly meaningful," the company said.
In total, it will take the roll nine years and 3.2billion kilometres to reach the distant planet's orbit.
Adding to the humour of the prank, the company has been crowdsourcing for names on Instagram. Current frontrunners are High Plyer and C.R.A.P. (Cosmic Roll Aerospace Program).
16:28Ryan Fahey
Swiss police introduce drug-detecting chickens
Police in Switzerland have announced a brand new weapon in their war on drugs - sniffer chickens.
Their new flock of"Drogenspürhuhn", which translates as drug-detecting chickens, supposedly joined the main force after proving successful during a testing phase.
Cops said they were more cost-effective as they were cheaper to train and keep than dogs. They also laid an egg daily, which is also handy, police added.
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Image:
Heidi Dawson / EFL / SWNS)
16:14Ryan Fahey
Estate Agents' 'BS Detector' app
An estate agent has sought to fool its customers by promising to roll out a "BS Detector" app. The application vows to warn househunters and renters of misleading agents.
By using AI lie detector technology, it will warn with a "beep" the moment it hears any misleading speech from the agent.
16:00Monica Charsley
Adidas reveal bizarre design dubbed 'Box Shoe'
Adidas fooled its loyal app customers after revealing a new footwear design called the Box Shoe.
The shoe, which is essentially a box with a slot to fit your feet in, was announced as its latest release. However, it has since been revealed that the shoe announcement was a prank, according to Complex.
Adidas wrote: "We did something out of the box, and we're glad you joined in on the fun. While our recent stunt was all in good humour, what's coming next is no joke. Because you set a reminder on The Box Shoe page, you've unlocked exclusive access for a chance to win a custom Gab Bois shoe cabinet inspired by the iconic adidas shoebox and a sample of the box shoe."
Adidas Is Giving Away the 'Box Shoe' for April Fool's Day
Adidas has confirmed that the "Box Shoe" is part of an April Fool's Day prank and is not an actual "sneaker" release. The brand also revealed its plans to give away the collectible along with a custom shoe cabinet.… pic.twitter.com/lFVRL4L8QN
— Complex Sneakers (@ComplexSneakers) April 1, 2024
15:46Monica Charsley
Police introduce crocs with 'sports mode' as new uniform
A police force in Australia left thousands of people in hysterics after they announced a bizarre change to their uniform.
Western Australia Police Force shared footage of its officers running with specialised crocs, which had blue and red flashing lights built on the front of the shoe. The force said the shoes were designed for "sports mode" to help them catch criminals.
They said:" From today, all officers will be issued custom footwear to enhance speed on foot chases. Aerodynamically designed with Sports Mode features, the sleek and stylish addition to the WA Police uniform will ensure we can't be outrun."
The Facebook post amassed more than 24,000 likes and 4,300 comments. In response, one member of the community said: "I'm calling the fashion police." Another joked: "Nearly had me. Then I realised what the date is." Another user wrote: "Needs to be light blue. The dark blue makes them look scary and like security guards."
In an updated post, they wrote: "Happy April Fools everyone! If you’re ready to croc & roll in actual police boots, visit the Let’s Join Forces website to find out more about a career with WA Police."
15:34Monica Charsley
Wickes reveal 'silent' drill as new product
Wickes have announced customers will now be able to carry out building work without distracting their neighbours.
The DIY store revealed that their new "state-of-the-art" product is a silent drill. In a post on social media, the store wrote: "Introducing the new Wickes 18V Silent Combi Drill! You heard us right, we’ve created a cordless drill that makes no sound when in use.
"Ideal for drilling and screwdriving into wood, plastic, and metal, it’s a DIY lover’s essential. Put a smile on the faces of neighbours, family members and pets with this state-of-the-art power tool that cuts the noise but keeps the power.
Coming silently to a store near you on 1st April."
One excited customer responded to the post and said: "This would be handy”. Another wrote: "As someone who is scared of drills (mainly because of the noise!) this is perfect." However, a third user issued a reminder and said: "Ha ha, what’s the date today”. Someone else laughed and added: "If only".
Did you fall for the prank?
15:17Monica Charsley
Moonpig to help customers find love with new app feature
Moonpig have announced they have added a new feature to its app, to help customers find love.
The new addition, called MoonMatch, is set to launch this month. The card company said once customers find their match they can send up to five free love letters to each other. But it doesn't stop there, Moonpig is also encouraging people to try its handwriting feature after experts shared that you can uncover 5000 different personalities just from someone's handwriting.
A MoonMatch spokesperson said: “At Moonpig we’re all about creating better and more meaningful connections, which is why we thought we’d take it one step further by helping the nation find love! We have such a great range of ‘Just A Note’ cards and this coupled with our handwriting feature is a great way to help budding lovers woo their other half through by writing them a love letter.”
15:00Monica Charsley
Jack Grealish confirmed as DJ in festival line-up
Football fans were left confused this afternoon after a popular music festival announced an unusual star in their line-up.
Electronic event, Junction 2, made the shock announcement on Instagram and said: "We are delighted to announce that Jack Grealish will be making his festival DJ debut at Junction 2 this summer.
"No stranger to the dancefloor, DJ Grealo’s love for pumping house and techno almost rivals his love for the beautiful game. We can’t wait to welcome him to Boston Manor Park for what is set to be a truly historical occasion."
Social media users were divided by the validity of the post. One person said: "April fools for real." Another wrote: "April fools - surely."
However, others were convinced it was true as one angry user said: "Put on someone who has spent a lifetime developing their music and sound instead of glorifying a glorified over paid sportsman …. Shame on you J2 and MWP."
14:37Monica Charsley
Good Morning Britain receives backlash over 'awful' joke
Good Morning Britain viewers have slammed the show for an April Fools stunt which fell flat.
Presenters Charlotte Hawkins and Richard Madeley were left lost for words after Charlotte put on a pearl necklace that once supposedly belonged to Marilyn Monroe. Celebrity Big Brother star Zeze Millz brought the jewellery along with an auction curator and told them one person was allowed to wear it.
The item snapped off Charlotte's neck within seconds, leaving the cast completely speechless. When she was questioned if she was attempting to play a trick on someone, she responded: "It's not my April Fool's. I really hope it is because, otherwise, I've sort of being a part of damaging a very expensive necklace." One user commented: "#GMB with their bs April fools.. so bloody obvious", another said: "Richard desperately trying to make this an interesting segment after the hilarity of the April fools day joke."
Read more here: Good Morning Britain slammed for 'awful' April Fools gag that left Charlotte Hawkins stunned
The awkward moment was caught on camera as Charlotte Hawkins looked mortified (
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14:03Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Worst April Fools' Day pranks that backfired spectacularly
From harmless pranks around the home to elaborate schemes cooked up by the likes of Google, newspapers and the BBC, April Fools’ has become a major event with people competing to out-do each other with the best prank.
But not every trick works out the way it was intended, in fact some go horribly wrong with unintended consequences that can end up with red faces all around.
From a stunt involving a UFO “landing” in London sparking alarmed calls to the army, to a tech giant forced to apologise after their idea of a joke backfired, there are plenty of pranks that have got out of hand over the years.
Full story: Worst April Fools' Day pranks that backfired spectacularly - from UFO trick to cliff collapse
13:43Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Moment Dr Amir Khan shows off 'beak speak' app
Dr Amir Khan was back on ITV's Lorraine this morning to show off 'beak speak' - an app which supposedly allows you to translate birdsong into English.
Host Christine Lampard seemed very impressed by the technology - and picked up on some "flirtatious" comments by one of the chirpy animals.
It was, of course, an April Fool.
When did you realise what this segment was REALLY about? #Lorraine pic.twitter.com/K4nckv3kaC
— Lorraine (@lorraine) April 1, 2024
13:24Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Wes Streeting's Lorraine prank 'fooled best friend'
Another famous face to own up to a bit of April Fools' mischief this morning is Labour's Wes Streeting.
He had claimed he was joining Lorraine's show in a regular weekly slot to cook "low-cost, quick and healthy recipes".
But despite reportedly fooling one of his best friends with the announcement, it turns out he is sticking to politics after all.
Gratifying that one of my best friends, as well as many regular trolls, were taken in by this.
But thanks for the encouraging replies, too! Give the people what they want @reallorraine https://t.co/xAC6WoB5g8
— Wes Streeting MP (@wesstreeting) April 1, 2024
13:13Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
'Love Aisleland' cancelled
If you were planning on applying for Aldi's new 'Love Aisleland' reality TV show, we have some disappointing news for you.
Now that 12pm on April Fool's day has passed, the supermarket has pulled the plug on the short-lived matchmaking show.
A tongue-in-cheek statement from a spokesperson read: “Our boss has now confirmed that legally the show cannot go ahead and that although we give off the vibe that we love court cases, they are incredibly costly and going forward with this plan would not be “within our best interest”.
"We are, however, committed to the idea of finding love in the aisles and hope that you will continue to join us in store to find your one true match. It might just have to be Mr Ribeye instead of Mr Right.”
13:02Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Fred Sirieix owns up to April Fools' prank
First Dates host Fred Sirieix has owned up to an April Fools' day prank from this morning.
He had earlier announced the launch of Neilson Nippa Beach Club in Greece – a holiday park "exclusively for kids, run by kids".
#AD Fooled you! As Good Energy Officer at @neilsonholidays we’re all about the fun, but a kid’s club run by kids sounds like absolute chaos! Happy April Fool’s Day! pic.twitter.com/W6dB9EDem9
— Fred Sirieix (@fredsirieix1) April 1, 2024
12:41Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Crisp-stealing ghost is at large
Walkers say they played the "ultimate prank" on unsuspecting Brits this April Fool’s Day by leading people to believe there was a crisp-stealing spirit in the City of London’s most haunted pub, The Viaduct Tavern.
Eerie footage showed a ‘ghost’ throwing snacks around the pub on social media, attracting hundreds of comments from followers apparently spooked by the Wotsits-loving poltergeist.
However, shortly after 12pm on April Fool’s Day, Walkers revealed that the ‘ghost’ was actually a stunt to celebrate its joint promotion with the latest Ghostbusters film, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.
There's a crisp-stealing ghost about, Walkers claim (
Image:
Walkers)
12:04Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
12 o'clock has passed
Which means if you had any antics planned for your friends or family, you'll have to save them for next year!
But there's been plenty going on in the last few hours, so we'll be carrying on our round-up of all the very best April Fool's content today.
11:55Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Kebab baby food
Yes, kebab baby food.
'Kebaby Food' is said to be inspired by fast food chain Kebhouze’s popular Kebby Special kebab wrap with chicken kebab, caramelised onions, lettuce and lemon & black pepper mayo.
It's also reportedly packed with essential nutrients including vitamins B6 and C, calcium, and high in protein to keep little ones fuller longer.
And it's available exclusively at Kebhouze’s Oxford St flagship store.
The UK's biggest kebab house has unveiled its new kebab baby food (
Image:
KE-BABY)
11:47Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Honda reveals new dog keys
Honda has announced a 'state-of-the-art, dog-first' technology, called PAW-S.
The new vehicle entry activation system allows your dog to access the car boot, and plenty canine-friendly amenities, without any need for the owner to be around.
Pooches can also use smart in-car technology to go for walks with their fellow four-legged friends.
Honda’s Pet Activated Wireless System will be available for other domestic animals in the next six months, with optional extras catering to cats, rabbits and pygmy goats launching first due to popular demand.
Honda launches new 'dog-first' technology, PAW-S (
Image:
Honda)
11:34KEY EVENT
Brits can now pick blue raspberries
Funkin Fruit Farm, the only farm to grow the rare blue raspberry, will welcome fruit pickers for the first time on April on their two-hectare farm in the English countryside.
It’s the only one in the world belonging to the GLUM (Growth Labour Under Melancholia) vegetation family, meaning they have a different growth cycle to traditional raspberries, and are instead known to thrive in colder, darker environments.
While their unique blue hue can come and go in a seasonal pattern, it’s typically more apparent during the gloomier winter months.
The farmers at the fruit farm have been known to adopt alternative methods to ensure that each blue raspberry, which is grown as the key ingredient in Funkin Cocktails’ Blue Raspberry Martini, receives the individual love and care it requires to reach the optimum level of winter blues for a guaranteed bountiful crop.
According to the growers, these methods include Sally Rooney readings and serenading their seeds with pop music playlists, including Olivia Rodrigo and Lana Del Rey.
A day's picking will then finish off with a complimentary tasting of Funkin cocktail’s new Blue Raspberry Martini.
A spokesperson for Funkin Fruit farm said: "We've had a brilliant growing season this year, with just the right amount of gloomy weather to produce a particularly successful crop".
The only farm in the UK to grow the rare Blue Raspberry is opening its doors to eager fruit pickers for the very first time today
11:09Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Wes Streeting joins Lorraine as TV chef
Big move today for Shadow Health Secretary West Streeting, who is... joining Lorraine as a TV chef.
Back to work tomorrow - but not in my usual office!
Every Tuesday I’ll be joining @ITV’s @reallorraine @lorraine with low-cost, quick and healthy recipes that you can make yourself at home in 15 minutes!
Tune in tomorrow morning from 9am! pic.twitter.com/KGSaq05fH8
— Wes Streeting MP (@wesstreeting) April 1, 2024
10:42Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Love Aisleland set for TV debut
Move over Supermarket Sweep!
Aldi have announced their entry into the reality TV world with the launch of 'Love Aisleland'. They're now accepting applications from would-be contestants, apparently.
10:30Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Dulux unveils new 'scratch and sniff' paint
Back on the April 1 product launches now, and Dulux have just announced their brand new 'scratch and sniff' range of paint.
With salivating shades such as Chocolate Sprinkles, Hazelnut Truffle, Cookie Dough, and Caramel Cream, it will only take two hours for the paint to dry and the scent to appear.
Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director at Dulux, explained: "It was a no-brainer with so many of our colours being inspired by popular foods and flavours – probably down to us choosing colour names in the lead up to lunch!
“Our goal is to push the boundaries and create products that not only beautify homes but also enhance the overall sensory experience. With our ‘Scratch & Sniff’ collection, we're bringing a whole new level of indulgence to interior design. It's like giving your walls a delicious makeover, some may think it’s too good to be true!"
Dulux's new 'scratch and sniff' paint range (
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Dulux)