Colchester woman meets Gary Barlow following being catfished

Janet Smith, 62, from Colchester believed that she was talking to the real Gary Barlow for about a week after adding him as a friend on Facebook.

Janet was certain she was talking to the Back for Good heartthrob but grew suspicious following the catfish bombarding her with compliments and told her he had “split up”.

She then convinced the scammer to reveal their identity.

Delighted - Janet Smith excited to meet the real Gary Barlow before his show at Carrow Road (Image: Janet Smith)

She told the scammer that he could have her WhatsApp number in exchange for his true identity.

The imposter told Janet that he was a 24-year-old man from Nigeria and that he was sorry for lying to her, but he told her that he really did love her and asked her for money.

Gary heard about what had happened and invited her to Take That’s show at Carrow Road in Norwich on Tuesday.

Janet got the chance to meet the real Gary before the gig and gifted him with a box of chocolates “for the boys”.

Presents - Janet gifting Gary with a bag of gifts including chocolates (Image: Janet Smith)

Janet, who works in a pizza restaurant in Colchester, said: “Gary came running down the corridor saying hello and gave me a hug.

Hugs - Gary giving Janet a big hug as he meets her backstage (Image: Janet Smith)

“He said he was so sorry about what happened and asked how I was, it was lovely. He came out with a jogging suit on, he wasn’t snobby, he was lovely.

“I bought him a mug, some Mars bars and some Milk Tray chocolates for the boys. He loved the mug and got a picture of us with it.”

Janet was thrilled at the down to earth nature of the Cheshire born singer and as if it was like seeing a friend in the street.

The pair are said to have hit it off, marking a great end to the story.

Janet wanted to portray her story to help others who may be exposed to something similar happening.