Dummy Beckhams welcomed into US

Visitors are encouraged to embrace and kiss the figures Enlarge Image

Wax doubles of David and Victoria Beckham have been unveiled at the New York branch of Madame Tussauds ahead of the couple's impending move to the US.

The figures, draped in the stars and stripes, were placed next to a waxwork of George W Bush holding a sign saying "Welcome to America".

David has signed a five-year, £128m contract with LA Galaxy football team.

Victoria has already been seen on the celebrity circuit, partying with the stars after the Golden Globe Awards.

David's move has caused a flurry of excitement, with the footballer being described as a "celebrity supernova" and the biggest British invasion "since the Beatles" by the press.

Posh and Becks are celebrity icons in England and already on the path to superstardom in the United States Janine DiGioacchino Madame Tussauds New York

The waxwork couple stand arm in arm, with David dressed in a black tuxedo and Victoria wearing a pale green sparkling evening gown.

Visitors are encouraged to embrace and kiss the figures as well as take photos.

Janine DiGioacchino, general manager of Madame Tussauds New York, said: "We are very excited to give visitors a chance to get up close and personal with Posh and David Beckham.

"Posh and Becks are celebrity icons in England and already on the path to superstardom in the United States."

The figures have been imported from Madame Tussauds in London and will remain on display in New York for two weeks.