A woman who was conned by a man pretending to be Gary Barlow met the real singer in Norwich after he saw her story on social media. 
 
Janet Smith, 62, believed she had been talking to the Take That singer for about a week after adding him as a friend on Facebook in March. 

Norwich Evening News: Janet Smith thought she was talking to the real Gary Barlow on FacebookJanet Smith thought she was talking to the real Gary Barlow on Facebook (Image: SWNS)

However, the pizza restaurant worker from Colchester became suspicious about the situation after the catfish told her his marriage had broken up and began flooding her with compliments. 

READ MORE: ‘I love it up here’ - Take That star vows to return to Norfolk for holiday

The con man eventually revealed his true identity as a 24-year-old Nigerian man after she told him he could have her WhatsApp number in exchange for his true identity.

Norwich Evening News: When Gary Barlow saw what had happened he invited her to attend a showWhen Gary Barlow saw what had happened he invited her to attend a show (Image: SWNS)

He told Ms Smith that while he was sorry for lying to her, he did really love her and asked her to send him cash for food because he came from a poor family. 
 
After the real Gary Barlow heard what had happened, he invited Ms Smith to the Take That show in Carrow Road.

She got the chance to meet the singer before the gig on Tuesday and took along some presents for him and the band.

Norwich Evening News: Ms. Smith bought along presents for the band Ms. Smith bought along presents for the band (Image: Janet Smith)

She said: "Gary came running down the corridor saying hello and gave me a hug.

READ MORE: All the pictures as Take That make a spectacular return to Norwich
 
"He said he was so sorry about what happened and asked how I was - it was lovely.

Norwich Evening News: Sharing a hug with Gary BarlowSharing a hug with Gary Barlow (Image: Janet Smith)

"I bought him a mug, some Mars bars and some Milk Tray chocolates for the boys.
 
"He's very kind - fame hasn't gone to his head. It was like seeing a friend in the street."
  
Ms Smith said that the experience had left her feeling guilty but she wanted to share her story to help others spot similar scams in the future.