Robbie Williams superfan Jemma Williamson’s dreams came true when she was invited onto the stage at his show in Wolverhampton last night. The 48-year-old teacher from Greasby found herself thrown into the limelight last month when she featured in a standout scene from the new Take That documentary on Netflix.
Jemma, who grew up in the Wirral, had no idea a comment she made as a teenager would go on to dominate headlines and become one of the viral moments of the year. In the never before seen archive footage, Jemma was part of a group of adoring fans outside HMV in Chester in the early 1990s.
The then 14-year-old seized her opportunity in front of camera crews to reach out to Robbie Williams as she shared her phone number to the camera and said he can call her at any time.
35 years later, Jemma’s dream came true as she was invited onto the stage by Robbie during his gig in Wolverhampton on February 9 to recreate the iconic moment.
During the performance, the 51-year-old Angels hitmaker told the crowd: “Please welcome Jemma from the Take That documentary.”
After welcoming her onto the stage, Robbie said: “30 years later, can you remember what you said?”
Jemma retold her iconic line to the crowd as she said: “Robbie’s my favourite because he’s got gorgeous eyes and a gorgeous body and he can have my number and he call me any time.”
Robbie was quick to correct Jemma as he said: “You actually said thighs”. But Jemma was having none of it, telling the singer: “No right- Netflix doesn’t do Scouse.”
Jemma previously spoke about the mistake, telling the ECHO in an exclusive interview: “On all the press and on all the stories, they have quoted me as saying. [Robbie is] my favourite, he’s got gorgeous thighs and a great body. I didn’t say thighs, I said eyes, but obviously Netflix subtitles doesn’t do Scouse.”
Speaking about the incredible opportunity to join Robbie on stage on Monday evening, Jemma has since told the ECHO: “It was amazing I loved every minute of it.”
She said: “Robbie was so lovely, it was unreal to actually get to meet him. I can’t thank him and his wonderful team enough, for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime.
“I have always been a Robbie fan and now I just love him even more. The concert was really good, his new album is fantastic. He is such a showman!”
Jemma was alerted to her inclusion in the documentary by a friend, which set in motion an incredible turn of events that has led to articles in numerous magazines, an appearance on Scott Mills BBC Radio show and Good Morning Britain.
Jemma realised her message had reached Robbie when he posted a clip on his Instagram channel trying to phone the number, which has since been viewed over 3.3m times.
While Jemma remembers being filmed, she doesn’t recall saying the now iconic call out that has brought her to the nation’s attention.
She added: “I remember being filmed, but I was 14. I knew I chatted some s**t, but I didn’t know I said that. It was just a sassy 14-year-old throwaway comment. And, lo and behold, boom.”
Robbie failed to get in touch with Jemma, and she confirmed he was missing the 0151 area code, but the old landline number is now inactive anyway.
She laughed and said: “I wouldn’t have put the area code because I only ever rung my mates and they all lived in the Wirral. I never needed to use it so I never thought to put the area code in front of the number.”