Amidst the current trend for lookalike competitions in cities around the world, a pair of St Catharine’s students were amused to discover that they are doppelgangers. Alex Rutter (a first-year Philosophy undergraduate) and Conall Fowler (a third-year Law undergraduate) tell us what it was like to come face to face with your own lookalike and their other similarities.
Conall Fowler and Alex Rutter
Our story begins on move-in day at the start of Michaelmas Term, when Alex arrived at St Catharine’s for the first time as a Fresher and second-year students who were volunteering to welcome new students were the first to make the connection.
Alex recalled, “I’ve heard that my appearance caused a bit of confusion on move-in day because it looked as if Conall needed help finding his room, but it wasn’t until later that night that I clocked how similar we look – one of Conall’s friends came up to me in a club and took a photo to send to him. Soon after we were able to meet in person in the Catz Bar, thanks to my college parents (Cara and Lottie) introducing us.”
Conall said, "My friends first spotted Alex at the club and sent me photographic evidence in a Snapchat message titled ‘dopplgangr’ (sic). I had my hair cut much shorter than usual over the summer vacation, otherwise the likeness would have been even greater!”
The original Snapchat message that brought Alex to Conall's attention (credit: Freya Richardson-Faye)
It has since become clear that their similarities are more than skin-deep: they are vegetarians and the oldest sibling in their families, with each of them having two younger brothers (Conall has a sister too). Conall’s early years were spent in East Dulwich before his family moved to Hertfordshire – just a short drive from where Alex’s family live in St Albans. Both also grew up with cats: Alex has a black cat called Zia, while Conall’s family has rescued several cats, the latest of which is called Casper after his white fur.
It seems likely that the future could hold further parallels for the pair as they have similar aspirations.
Conall explained, “Having really enjoyed my time at Catz and studying Law, I’m thrilled to have been offered a trainee solicitor position with Slaughter and May. I’m already looking forward to the opportunity to gain experience across a number of practice areas.”
Alex added, “I’m studying Philosophy because it is the subject enjoyed most at A level, but I have actually been considering a legal career for a long while and I’m seriously weighing up whether to apply for a law conversion course after graduation.”
Conall Fowler and Alex Rutter in black tie
For all their similarities, Alex and Conall’s extracurricular interests are wildly different and demonstrate the endless range of opportunities open to students during their time at St Catharine’s.
Alex said, “Hobbies? Where to start! I’m taking part in karate, badminton and kendo, as well as politics, law and philosophy societies. I’ve also signed up for Chinese and French courses as the University of Cambridge Language Centre.”
Conall mentioned, “I was proud to represent the undergraduate community at Catz last year as the Junior Combination Room (JCR) Accommodation Officer, and to serve as Vice President of the St Catharine’s College Law Society. I’ve been involved in University-wide activities too, as a member of both the Cambridge Union and the Cambridge University Law Society. Having arrived at Catz as a certified scuba diver (my mum used to be an instructor), I also joined the Cambridge University Scuba Diving Club, which has organised some fantastic trips to Portsmouth and Cornwall.”
