Fancy dress... for grown-ups

The popularity of US Cosplay Conventions has reached this side of the Atlantic. This 'secret world of weekend superheroes' involves ordinary men and women with 9-5 jobs dressing up in costume as their comic book and gaming idols and meeting up to mix with like-minded fans.

Lauren, Phillipa and couple Ryan and Lesley join us in full costume to explain what it's all about, why they do it, and why it boosts their confidence.

When you're getting hundreds of people coming up to you every day telling you your outfit looks fantastic, it's a big confidence boost

Wondering how someone gets into Cosplay? Phillipa Dickinson - who's currently designing a costume made up of 5000 scales! - explains to Phillip and Holly below.

There are rules!