Art Attack’s Neil Buchanan denies speculation that he’s Banksy

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Art Attack’s Neil Buchanan is forced to deny speculation that he’s Banksy after social media users claimed artworks have appeared in cities after his shows

  • Neil Buchanan is best known for presenting children’s programme Art Attack
  • The British entertainer, 58, has denied social media rumours that he is Banksy
  • Banksy often creates stencil-style ‘guerrilla’ art in public spaces around the UK

By Latoya Gayle For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

Neil Buchanan has responded to rumours circulating on social media that claimed he is mysterious street artist Banksy.

The 58-year-old British TV personality who is best known for hosting children’s programme Art Attack from 1990-2007, was speculated to be the elusive artist after a Twitter user’s post about the conspiracy theory went viral.

Racking up over 2,000 re-tweets, the user wrote: ‘Just heard that it’s rumoured Neil Buchanan is Banksy. If true, it’s the funniest s*** ever. Aintree’s finest. 

‘He’s a musician and art has followed in the cities of shows he’s done allegedly. This is straight in the “believe without question” category.’ 

Neil Buchanan (pictured) is best known for presenting children’s programme Art Attack, has denied rumours that he could be Banksy

A representative for Neil revealed they had been inundated with queries about the possibility of the TV personality being the artist because of a social media conspiracy theory

A representative for Neil revealed they had been inundated with queries about the possibility of the TV personality being the artist because of a social media conspiracy theory 

A representative for Neil penned a statement on his website revealing they had been inundated with enquiries from people attempting to fact check the rumour.

Denying the suggestion, they wrote: ‘Unfortunately this website does not have the infrastructure to answer all these enquiries individually, however we can confirm that there is no truth in the rumour whatsoever.

‘​Neil spent lockdown with vulnerable members of his family and is now preparing to launch his new art collection in 2021. Thank you and please stay safe.’

Bristol native Banksy, has gained a reputation for his large art pieces in public spaces while managing to conceal his identity.

Various attempts to unmask Bansky whose most famous work includes Balloon Girl, Follow Your Dreams and London Underground Rats have been unsuccessful, with Robin Gunningham being the most commonly cited individual who could be the street artist.

Neil (pictured) inspired many children to embrace their creativity with his experiemental art work from 1990-2007

Neil (pictured) inspired many children to embrace their creativity with his experiemental art work from 1990-2007 

Sparking the conspiracy theory, a Twitter user claimed Neil has often been in the same cities as Banksy's artwork

Sparking the conspiracy theory, a Twitter user claimed Neil has often been in the same cities as Banksy’s artwork 

This sneezing and coughing rat was at the centre of a Banksy artwork on the Tube earlier this year, carried out as the train passed through central London

This sneezing and coughing rat was at the centre of a Banksy artwork on the Tube earlier this year, carried out as the train passed through central London

The artwork was filmed being made and at one point Banksy ushered away a commuter from the part of the carriage he wanted to paint

The artwork was filmed being made and at one point Banksy ushered away a commuter from the part of the carriage he wanted to paint

Who is Neil Buchanan?

Neil Buchanan who is best known for creating popular children’s programme Art Attack, which he hosted between 1990 -2007, has a legacy as an award-winning artist including two BAFTAS. 

Born in Aintree, United Kingdom, Neil joined heavy metal band Marseille in 1976. When the band came to an end he applied for a job advertised in the newspaper and captured the attention of TV producers by sending a photo from his childhood with a monkey on his knee instead of a publicity shot of himself. 

He soon found success with presenting TV shows including Finders Keepers, it’s a Mystery and ZZZap!. 

Neil came up with the ideas for more than 500 episodes of Art Attack, which have been now aired in over 30 countries. The hit CITV show became one of ITV’s longest running programmes and attracted over six million viewers each week. 

One of the most memorable episodes of Art Attack saw the artist create a huge portrait of the Queen using half a million pounds worth of real money.

He has revealed that as a child he was inspired by cartoons and comics including Beano. 

Neil is currently an ambassador for the Prince’s Foundation for Children and the Arts. He spends most of his time painting and exhibiting his artwork, having achieved his lifelong ambition to create a cartoon character for Disney when they acquired the rights to his Art Attack format.

The 58-year-old is set to release his new art collection in 2021.

Sources: neilbuchanan.co.uk , celebritynetworth.com

Social media users recalled Neil creating large outdoor pieces on Art Attack as one of the reasons why they believe the conspiracy and admitted they will believe the rumour even if there isn’t any direct evidence.

One person wrote: ‘Heard the rumour that Banksy is Neil Buchanan and I need no evidence or proof or substance to it, it’s absolutely the only thing I’m choosing to believe this year.’

‘The rumour that 90s/00s icon Neil Buhanan is Banksy is simultaenously the best and weirdest thing to happen in 2020. And I’ve never wanted a conspiracy theory to be truer,’ wrote another.

A third added: ‘Neil Buchanan saying he’s not Banksy seems an awful lot like something Banksy would say’

A stream of social media users said they would continue to believe the rumour even if there's no supporting evidence

A stream of social media users said they would continue to believe the rumour even if there’s no supporting evidence