From Piers Morgan to Volkswagen: Your April Fools Day round-up

At The Big Issue, we know a little bit about the world of fake news, misinformation and dubious claims. Our weekly Fact/Fiction feature looks at the truth behind the headlines, tackling misleading pronouncements and telling readers what they really mean. But there’s one day of the year where the silly and the scurrilous is allowed: April Fools Day.

It could perhaps have been argued there is enough uncertainty in the world this year. But April Fools went ahead anyway so here’s your round up.

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Piers Morgan ‘confirms’ Good Morning Britain return

UPDATE: Following the Archbishop of Canterbury's confirmation that Meghan Markle was talking a load of old flannel in her Oprah interview, ITV just offered me my @GMB job back & I've decided to accept.
The nation's prayers have been answered. See you Monday! pic.twitter.com/J0koU0CaJm

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) April 1, 2021

Provocative TV personality Piers Morgan tried to fool us by claiming he would be returning to Good Morning Britain, the breakfast show he recently quit after his controversial comments regarding Harry and Meghan’s interview with Oprah.

Morgan struggled to fool the majority of social media users though.

Happy April Fool's Day @piersmorgan

— me here now (@bighalders) April 1, 2021

The Archbishop of Canterbury performed as Elvis at Harry and Meghan’s secret wedding

Well played @TheSun

The pics that 'prove' Archbishop was Elvis at Harry and Meghan's secret wedding https://t.co/8o0dBaqQ56

— Richard Porteous (@RichardPorteous) April 1, 2021

More Harry and Meghan related news here, as wind-up merchants The Sun tried to deceive us with this incredible top line:

MEGHAN and Harry look blissfully in love as the Archbishop of Canterbury perform a ceremony for their secret vows — dressed as ELVIS.

Dubbed as a ‘Sun exclusive’ – it even looks like the tabloid mocked up a photo shoot of the happy couple standing by as the Archbishop bashed out a rendition of Jailhouse Rock. Though we accept it could just be good photoshop.

Ummm …im not 100% sure but they really look like the engagement day outfits??? https://t.co/glWLEc22Pp

— Em Martin #WeLoveYouCatherine (@funsize671) April 1, 2021

This is your best April fools??
Any jobs going? I can spell too 👌🏻

The pics that ‘prove’ Archbishop was Elvis at Harry and Meghan’s secret wedding https://t.co/xo0xhp1l2G

— Ant Chaplin (@Artisan2312) March 31, 2021

‘Suez 2’? Ever Given grounding prompts plan for canal along Egypt-Israel border

https://twitter.com/MistryPhysicist/status/1377531980225638401?s=20

Ever the serious news outlet, The Guardian’s attempt at an April Fools Day gag could have fooled us as the paper “reported” plans for “fresh international efforts to find an alternative to the world’s most important shipping corridor”.

The paper said that following the blockage of the Suez canal by the grounding of the gigantic Ever Given ship, the UK was “prepared to play leading role” in the project. Social media users were impressed.

Enjoyed this story in the Guardian about digging a new Suez Canal after the Ever Given blockage. Particularly liked the quote from the study's author, Iver Shovel, and the UN body which commissioned it, the UN committee for Trade Routes Uniting Economies https://t.co/StEKndkKsM

— Mike Carter 🇪🇺 (@getcarter7) April 1, 2021

Am I really supposed to believe that the author of a study about digging an alternative waterway near the Suez Canal is … Iver Shovel? https://t.co/mOXNBvBsZT

— Mike Wolgelenter (@mwolgelenter) April 1, 2021

The Guardian's Flora Lopi is a terrific reporter. Can't believe they got Mo Sez, regional expert in water division management, to comment on this!https://t.co/H5FPY14o9M

— Mia Jankowicz (@miajankowicz) April 1, 2021

Dominic Cummings to be honoured with life-sized statue at Barnard Castle

https://twitter.com/horton_official/status/1377490126864068609?s=20

According to The Telegraph, Dominic Cummings’ “lockdown-busting” trip to Barnard Castle could soon be commemorated with a statue in the market town.

The Broadsheet’s “sources” said plans had been submitted to the local council, as tourist chiefs argued the town could capitalise on the “infamy” Cummings brought it.

Well. I. Never…..👀https://t.co/xVKSulybB5

— Nina Warhurst (@NinaWarhurst) April 1, 2021

Ta da! https://t.co/iZDBil4jtS

— Lizzy Buchan (@LizzyBuchan) April 1, 2021

Volkswagen backfires

https://twitter.com/VW/status/1376868756782219266?s=20

Where do we start with this one? Automotive giant Volkswagen announced plans that it would change its german name to the more US-friendly Voltswagen in America. Noting its eco-credntials and making a commitmenet to an “electric” future.

Investors and journalists alike were fooled as the news was announced on Monday – a whole three days before April Fools.

Like an old Golf, the gag soon backfired and the manufacturer was forced to make a grovelling apology, admitting it was an april fools joke gon wrong.

“Volkswagen of America will not be changing its name to Voltswagen. The renaming was designed to be an announcement in the spirit of April Fool’s Day, highlighting the launch of the all-electric ID.4 SUV and signalling our commitment to bringing electric mobility to all,” said Mark Gillies, a spokesperson for the company.

Happy March Fools? Volkswagen's early April Fools prank tricks some news organizations https://t.co/9k6TkWtJWY

— Forbes (@Forbes) March 30, 2021

Volkswagen had to apologise for misleading consumers and investors after releasing an apparent April Fools’ joke in March.

The company said it was rebranding its US arm 'Voltswagen', in an effort to promote its new electric vehicles https://t.co/opQAakX9VE

— Financial Times (@FinancialTimes) March 31, 2021

April Fools Day to everyone except Volkswagen who majorly ballsed it up and already issued a retraction and apology

— Jamie Klingler (@jamieklingler) April 1, 2021

Which was your favourite?

Wish you were but 1st April 😱

— Karen Dockerty (@karenmdockerty) April 1, 2021