The man formally known as Thomas Dodd says he has absolutely no regrets after legally changing his name to Celine Dion over the holidays.
Dodd, er, Dion poured himself a glass of wine and streamed one of the singer’s concert films on Christmas.
It wasn’t until several days later he discovered that, at some point during the viewing, he went online and paid £89 ($120 U.S.) to officially adopt her name for himself.
“During lockdown, I’ve been watching a lot of live concerts on the TV,” the 30-year-old tells Birmingham Live. “I can only think I’ve been watching one of hers and had a ‘great idea’ after a few drinks!”
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Tier 4 is the least of my worries – I’ve just got home to some post. Apparently at some point over Christmas I’ve had one too many vinos and legally changed my name to Celine Dion! pic.twitter.com/ZchXWiqhUw
— Celine Dion (@ThomasDodd1) December 30, 2020
Dion, who says he may be “slightly obsessed” with the Canadian songstress, didn’t actually make the discovery until he got home from work a few days later and found a letter waiting for him.
“I walked in from work and there was a big white envelope with ‘do not bend’ written across it,” he explains. “I nearly passed out in my kitchen when I opened it.”
Related: Celine Dion’s ‘Carpool Karaoke’ is a modern masterpiece
“My initial concern was how on earth do I tell the HR department at work that I need to change my email footer!?” he continues. “Now I’m thinking it could be a great way to get backstage.”
Dion has no recollection of making the change, or of paying an extra fee to have eight additional certificates printed confirming his new identity.
“I’m just praying I don’t get pulled over by the police for anything,” he says. “That could get awkward!”
I don’t know who should take credit for this? ??? pic.twitter.com/PYXJDmrpde
— Celine Dion (@ThomasDodd1) January 4, 2021
While most people have found his story amusing, Dion says his mother was mildly horrified when she first learned what her son had done.
“My mother didn’t see the funny side though,” he says. “I did explain it could be worse and it could’ve been Boris Johnson. We’re just lucky he doesn’t have any live concerts.”
As for what he plans to do next, Dion hasn’t decided yet.
“I’ll figure it out,” he says. “I’m not rushing to change it back that’s for sure.”
“If this gets to Celine someone best make sure I have a defibrillator next to me.”
Related: WATCH: Celine Dion sings karaoke to one of her own songs in NYC drag show
Cam
He supposedly had a “few” drinks and yet blacked out but was still functional enough to go through the entire process?
I smell B.S. Sounds like he either wanted a good story to tell, or he doesn’t want to admit he was fully aware of what he was doing.
quantum
It is a bunch of BS. It took me all of five minutes to go to an official government website and find out that he could have typed or written out the same document himself and it would have been just as official. He essentially went to a commercial website and paid way too much money to have this company send him some fancy looking stationary.
MonkeyMan
That’s definitely not the handwriting of someone who was so drunk they didn’t remember putting it there and mailing the whole thing.
ShiningSex
FIRST OFF, NO ONE IS THAT DRUNK. IF YOU’RE WATCHING HER SHOW, THAT’S SAD ENOUGH.
Essie
Is it legal to knowingly take the name of someone else, especially a famous person? I’m assuming this guy is in Britain since he mentioned Boris Johnson so the law might be different over there. Whatever. I agree with people saying this is all BS. Nobody gets that drunk.
controversial2019
I’ve not seen the deed poll (Twitter says account suspended) however from reading the article, it’s BS.
Yes, one can do a deed poll themselves (for free) as long as it has specific wording OR there are companies you can pay to draw one up so it looks more “official” (although legally it’s no more legal than if you do it yourself). HOWEVER, the deed poll needs to be witnessed by someone (who needs to sign and put their address).
You can do the deed poll and have it pre-populated with the witness’ name and address (*if you choose*) HOWEVER until you have signed it and until the witness has signed it, it is not legal and your name has not changed.
So based on the article, he could have ordered one online, but when he received it, no – he had not changed his name. His name will only change / would only have changed if AFTER receiving it, he went and got it witnessed by someone.
nm4047
What a load of bullshit, it’s not a same day process. Anyone that wants to change their name is required to go through more than just a website. Process required proof that you (original name) don’t have convictions or outstanding ‘issues’ the name of choice also needs to be proven to have not existing ‘issues’ equally, changing your name to an existing ‘celebrity’ is not something any government agency would allow.
controversial2019
Not in the UK. To have a name change here in the UK, it can easily be a same day process (I can write up the words stated on the Government website today, print it out, sign and get it witnessed; done). There is no requirement for convictions etc. To be checked. And you are legally permitted to have any name as long as it does not cause offence. Choosing “Celine Dion” would be permitted here in the UK. A celebrity does not “own” a name.
Openminded
I’d say if it’s that easy, somebody needs to teach him a lesson by going online and changing his name to Donald Trump. I bet he’d figure out real quick how to get his old name back.