A 7ft 2in university student has become a local celebrity at regional events across the country – after towering over glamorous revellers at everything from Ascot to Henley and the Highland Show.
James McAlpine, from Scotland, has become beloved on social media – as attendees at the revered society gatherings have begged the internet to ‘make him famous’.
Just yesterday, the equestrian enthusiast, who attends Oxford Brookes University, danced up a storm in the streets at Day One of Cheltenham.
At the outing – which was attended by VIPs including the King’s niece, Zara Tindall, fashion designer Jade Holland Cooper and TV personality Georgia Toffolo – James was seen enjoying a boogie on the streets.
Delighted onlookers clapped as they surrounded him, and even joined in.
But it’s far from James’s first time in the spotlight.
Despite not appearing very active on social media himself, the online sensation features in several TikTok videos.
There, viewers have become obsessed with his omnipresent attendance at all of the UK’s largest society gatherings – and his penchant for ladies who like to wear a Schoffel.
A 7ft 2in university student has become a local celebrity at regional events across the country – as he has towered over glamorous revellers at everything from Ascot to Henley and the Highland Show
Speaking to Invades in 2023, while attending the Henley Royal Regatta, James was asked what his ‘biggest green flag’ is in a girl.
‘As long as they wear a Schoffel,’ he said.
The following year at Ascot, James once again became the subject of TikTok fame as he attended the QIPCO British Champions Day.
Speaking to Raceday.Rtv, he revealed that both his parents are taller than 6ft 5in, and that he enjoys ‘shooting’, and takes part in the activity for his university.
In another clip for the outlet just a few weeks later, at Cheltenham in October, he was asking how the ‘racing stardom’ felt, after a clip featuring his interview racked up more than four million views.
‘It’s mental,’ he admitted. ‘I’m absolutely loving it. It’s crazy, I feel like royalty or like an A-list celebrity. It’s good fun.’
James told Raceday.Rtv that he’s ‘very into’ horse racing, polo and rowing, the latter of which he said he had a great ‘physical advantage’ for.
However, he found it too demanding and claimed he ‘drank too much’ to stick with the sport.
James McAlpine, from Scotland, has become beloved on social media – as attendees at the revered society gatherings have begged the internet to ‘make him famous’
Despite not appearing very active on social media himself, the online sensation features in several TikTok videos
Commenters have compared the social media star to racing commentator John Michael McCririck, while others have been wowed by his towering height.
Many have claimed to have bumped into James in real life, following his online virality.
‘Saw him at royal highland show! Turned round to him stood behind me… nearly fell over,’ one penned.
Another confessed: ‘Met this guy in a bar in Winchester – I’m 6’8 and he towered over me.’
A third wrote: ‘I saw this guy yesterday somewhere, he is really tall, the tallest human being I have ever seen in real life.’
Yesterday, James was among the many racegoers at Cheltenham who got into a festive mood as they partied up a storm on Day One of the celebrated event.
Drinks were flowing and cheerful revellers got into the spirit, with many dancing in the streets.
Photos from the event also showed guests singing along with one another, as they posed for photos while toasting pints.
Fashionistas descended on the course in Gloucestershire with many putting a vibrant and colourful twist on the rural staples of tweed and fur.
Anxious to prove they can hold their own against the fashionable displays seen at Ascot and Aintree each year, racegoers dressed up in statement suits, knee-high boots and fur-trimmed hats and capes.
Perfectly coiffed women donned eye-catching prints, thigh-skimming dresses and eye-catching wide leg trousers as they arrived in their thousands to take in the first day of the action.
James told Raceday.Rtv that he’s ‘very into’ horse racing, polo and rowing, the latter of which he said he had a great ‘physical advantage’ for
Speaking to Invades in 2023, while attending the Henley Royal Regatta, James was asked what his ‘biggest green flag’ is in a girl
Commenters have compared the social media star to racing commentator John Michael McCririck, while others have been wowed by his towering height. Many have claimed to have bumped into James in real life, following his online virality
Just yesterday, the equestrian enthusiast, who attends Oxford Brookes University, danced up a storm in the streets at Day One of Cheltenham
At the outing – which was attended by VIPs including the King’s niece, Zara Tindall , fashion designer Jade Holland Cooper and TV personality Georgia Toffolo – James was seen enjoying a boogie on the street
But not to be outdone by their female counterparts, some men added a touch of flair and opted for brightly coloured suits.
When it came to headwear, there was a sea of stylish trilby hats coming through the Festival’s doors, with others opting for striking feathered fascinators.
Check ensembles seemed to be the order of the day, with many guests opting for patterned jacket and trouser combos or mini skirts and blazer dresses.
Revellers were joined by VIPs including the King’s niece, Zara Tindall, fashion designer Jade Holland Cooper and TV personality Georgia Toffolo.
Newly-married Georgia looked sensational in bridal white as she revealed her outfit for day one of Cheltenham Festival on Monday.
The Made In Chelsea star, 30, who married her husband James Watt, 42, over the weekend, said she was ‘carrying on her honeymoon’ at the event.
Sharing a video to Instagram, ahead of the day, she explained how the colour was a ‘controversial’ choice.
Toff opted for a white dress with a matching cropped jacket that buttoned down the front by Delia Wade.
She teamed it with a pair of opaque tights, patent knee-high heeled boots by YSL and a small handbag.
To accessorise, Toff shielded her with with a chic, oval shades and popped a chunky black headband in her hair.
She captioned the video: ‘Day 1 Cheltenham outfit reveal! Quite a mad one even by my standards. Wearing white with patent leather boots to Cheltenham sounds so wrong but I personally think it’s sooooo right…?
‘Eager to hear your thoughts! You know how much I adore the festival. It’s such a special treat. I’ve been up since dawn desperate to get to the course…what a week we have ahead.’
Princess Anne’s daughter Zara, 42, meanwhile, made a stylish statement in a double-breasted navy wool Victoria Coat from Fairfax & Favor, priced at £495 and featuring statement gold buttons.
She matched her outerwear to a ruffled shirt and a pair of wide-leg trousers, while sticking to a monochromatic palette for most of her other accessories – including a pair of navy £295 Chiswick Heeled Quilted Ankle Boots from Fairfax & Favor.
However, she added a pop of colour with a mustard fascinator that complemented her coat’s buttons as well as the gold chain on her £495 black Aspinal of London’s ‘Lottie’ bag.
She also added a pair of tortoise shell sunglasses and elegant gold earrings to tie her look for the first day of Cheltenham together, as the King’s niece appeared fresh-faced and excited for the day’s event.
