IS IT really him? That's what city centre shoppers were asking themselves yesterday when pop sensation Justin Timberlake appeared to make a surprise visit to Southampton.

The American chart-topper, a favourite pin-up of millions of teenage girls, created a sensation when he - or someone looking very much like him - parked his stretch limo by the Bargate monument and dropped in at Virgin Megastore in Above Bar to greet his fans.

In fact, it wasn't the 23-year-old superstar at all, but a convincing lookalike, taking part in a Virgin Mobile promotion.

"I've only been doing this for the last six months. It's completely taken off now, though," said Anthony Whitehead, also 23, a brewery worker from Canterbury, Kent.

Anthony recently hit the headlines after becoming the overall winner in ITV's Stars and Their Doubles awards show. He has kept his day job but hopes to make an additional career from his star looks.

Shelley Hammond, 19, a catering assistant from Freemantle, said: "I couldn't believe it when I saw him in there. I'm a big fan of Justin's, so it's really made my day, even if it's not the real one."

'Justin' will continue to attract amazed looks in Southampton today.