Listeners of Sydney talk stations 2UE and 2GB were treated to an amusing prank yesterday after a very convincing Arnold Schwarzenegger impersonator managed to infiltrate both of the stations tough call screening systems.

It is thought to be the work of serial hoaxer from Los Angeles, Josh Thompson. Posing as Arnie, he managed to persuade the producers that one of the reasons for his call was to practice his media skills for his California election campaign. They were suspicious at first, but decided to let “Arnie” go to air because the voice was just so convincing. In 2GB’s case, Chris Smith had tried to organize an interview with the real Schwarzenegger around three weeks ago and was surprised to actually hear the famous Austrian’s voice on the other end of the line.

The fake Arnie told Smith about his upcoming run for California governor, and mentioned that he wanted to rename California to “Cauliflower”, because it was easier to pronounce.

However, cracks in the prank began to appear when Smith quizzed the hoaxer. He seemed to have trouble remembering his wife Maria’s middle name, and when prompted further, asked Smith to “keep Maria out of this”.