A collective gasp echoed through the city centre as a familiar face appeared amidst the hustle and bustle. Could it be him? The one, the only, Justin Timberlake?

Teenage hearts raced as the pop sensation, or so it seemed, stepped out of a sleek stretch limo near the historic Bargate. 

The crowd parted like the Red Sea, a sea of eager eyes and outstretched hands, as he made his way towards the Virgin Megastore.

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But before the hysteria reached a fever pitch, a reality check set in. 

The man who had caused such a stir wasn't the real Justin Timberlake. It was a remarkably accurate lookalike, part of a Virgin Mobile promotion.

Anthony Whitehead, the man behind the facade, was a 23-year-old brewery worker from Canterbury. 

He'd gained fame as the overall winner of ITV's Stars and Their Doubles show. "I've only been doing this for six months," he explained at the time, still a bit overwhelmed by the sudden attention. "It's completely taken off now, though."

Shelley Hammond was among those who fell for the deception. "I couldn't believe it when I saw him in there," she gushed. "I'm a big fan of Justin's, so it's really made my day, even if it's not the real one."

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As Anthony continued to make his rounds, turning heads and capturing hearts, it was clear that the city of Southampton had been treated to a truly unforgettable experience. 

And while the real Justin Timberlake might have been thousands of miles away, his doppelgänger had certainly left a lasting impression.

Did you see him there that day?