Avril Lavigne was CLONED and replaced by ‘Melissa’ in 2003, says bizarre conspiracy that’s reemerged online

AVRIL Lavigne has been cloned and replaced by a woman called "Melissa" in 2003, according to a bizarre conspiracy theory that's resurfaced online.

The Canadian singer is perhaps best known for Sk8er Boi, her debut single that proved an angsty anthem for early noughties teenagers.

In the intervening 17 years, the 35-year-old has produced a further five albums, toured the world with her music, and even taken on some acting roles.

But as the dates to her latest tour were announced, some fans quite literally couldn't believe it.

One wrote on Twitter: "People think they’re getting tickets to see Avril Lavigne but really they're going to see Melissa. Facts."

Another wrote: "Avril Lavigne is dead n has been replaced by a girl called Melissa."

A third seemed confused about whether she was dead or alive, saying: "When Avril Lavigne does her world tour, will it be Avril or Melissa? I kinda really wanna see Avril."

The Melissa theory last surfaced in 2016, when keyboard warriors theorised that she'd died and was replaced by an impostor called Melissa Vandella.

They claimed Avril's nose, autograph and voice were all different from her 2002 "heyday".

Theorists even say her choice to wear dresses rather than her trademark trousers meant it was a different person entirely.

One theorist claims "Melissa" has also left clues in songs such as Slipped Away, where she sings: "The day you slipped away was the day I found it won’t be the same".

Avril was diagnosed with the life-threatening Lyme disease in 2015. Her absence from the limelight sparked the rumours that speculated she'd been replaced by her "best friend" Melissa.

In spite of the morbid theory, Avril this tweeted that she was "damn excited" about her worldwide tour - which could help silence the doubters.

Lavigne will be touring London and Manchester next April.