Fortune favours the brave... would-be Cheryls

Move over Robyn Malcolm, would-be Cheryl Wests are lining up to prove they are just as outrageous.

Mimics of Malcolm's feisty Outrageous Fortune character fronted up in Malcolm's hometown of Ashburton last night, competing to be among a select group of new poster Cheryls.

Ahead of the opening of its Outrageous Fortune exhibition next month, Auckland Museum is looking for the 10 best lookalikes from across the country to undergo a "Cheryl makeover" and be part of the museum's publicity drive.

"Cheryls of all genders, races and regional locations are encouraged to apply, with the competition judges looking for ... entrants who can channel their 'inner Cheryl'. The tousled do, low-cut necklines and tight hemlines are an optional extra, the museum says. But it goes on to warn: "Just make sure you don't include any ciggies, booze or rude gestures or you probably won't make it."

Outrageous Fortune: The Exhibition opens on December 15.

Lookalike contestant Donna Fahey says she has been stopped in the street and asked if she was Cheryl West.

"The first time it happened I was in Dunedin [in] a restaurant. They sat us down at a table and whisked us off to ... a VIP table and then the barman came over and said 'my gosh! You are Cheryl West!'

"I don't think I even look like her, I'm just short with blonde curly hair."