Comedian Joe Lycett behind Birmingham 'Banksy' mural

Comedian Joe Lycett has revealed he was behind a mystery artwork which appeared in Birmingham's Gay Village.

It was rumoured the mural, depicting Dorothy from The Wizard Of Oz reaching for a pair of ruby slippers, was by world-renowned graffiti artist Banksy.

The elusive artist issued a statement to confirm it was not one of his masterpieces, which popped up on a wall in Kent Street earlier this month.

Speaking on his Late Night Lycett show on Channel 4 last night (12 April), the comedian revealed that the work was in fact by local Black Country artist Dion Kitson.

Lycett said it was among four fake stories his team had created for the show.

Speaking when the mural first appeared, Phil Oldershaw, director of Sidewalk bar said: "It's a great tribute to the LGBTQ+ community. It's a great piece of art, close up and from a distance, it looks absolutely brilliant.

"I think it's some way of respecting the community here and also giving an opportunity for us to have a great piece of art we can show to the world, while showing off our community."

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