Thousands helped to bring the pair together via a surprise video call
A huge Robbie Williams fan got the surprise of her life when she got to chat with her music hero. Norma, 94, lives at Humberston House Care Home, part of the Tanglewood Care Homes group.
Norma was completely unaware what was about to happen when up popped Robbie on a laptop screen to wish her well and ask her what she was doing for Christmas. The moment was organised by Bailey Greetham-Clark, who runs fitness and wellbeing sessions with residents, and films videos on behalf of the home.
Bailey said: “Norma was in the hairdressers having her hair done one day and I asked her where she was going. She said she was going to a Robbie Williams tribute at The Coach House, in Humberston.
“She was a bit upset it wasn’t going to be the real Robbie.” Bailey, who has hundreds of thousands of followers across TikTok, Facebook and Instagram, filmed Norma to “put something on the internet” about it.
“It’s been crazy, it went viral,” said Bailey, as it received a million hits. “About 5,000 people tagged in Robbie.”
The messages hit home with the star who put in a video call to Norma from Miami, where he was on break. Bailey was able to hand Norma a laptop, saying: “I’ve got a bit of a surprise for you.
“You know you wanted to meet Robbie Williams? He’s actually on call here, right now.” Delighted but seemingly unruffled by coming face to face with Robbie, Norma said to the star: “Hello Robbie, I’ve followed you on the television since you were in Take That, and you are my favourite.”
Robbie thanked Norma and said: “My daughter sent me the link to you talking about me. She said, Daddy, you’ve got to talk to Norma.”
Saying it had been heart-warming to see Norma on the internet, he asked about her day and whether everyone got together in the home for Christmas. Robbie said: “If I’m in the UK and if I’m up north I’ll try and pop in and say hello in person.”
Norma replied: “Oh my goodness, I would love that. I would be king of the castle.”
The star added: “I’m very grateful that I’ve meant something to you. It means a lot.”
With Norma thanking Robbie for “being you” he concluded by saying he would hopefully see her next year, to which she jokingly replied: “Hope so, if I’m still alive.”
The pair signed off sending their love to each other and Robbie wishing her a happy Christmas. Bailey said that in all, Norma and Robbie were chatting for over 20 minutes.
He said: “He didn’t really say much about himself, he just wanted to know all about Norma. He asked her so many questions.
“It’s a pretty wild story and Norma is such a lovely lady. When you think, we are just a couple of folks from Grimsby with no celebrity ties … she’s a care home resident from Grimsby … and this happens.”
Bailey said: “We didn’t tell Norma a thing about it beforehand. We run something called Old Friends Club where we film the residents telling their stories so she is used to having a camera and lights set up.
“It was amazing to see her reaction to Robbie. It was like two mates catching up; she was making jokes.
“She said afterwards she felt like she was the Queen. She felt so special and important, it made her Christmas.”
Bailey posted about Norma’s video call with Robbie, saying: “Thank you to everyone who tagged Robbie Williams in our post. We actually made it happen.
“Wednesday evening Robbie jumped on a call with Norma from Tanglewood Care Homes and chatted the world away for well over 20 minutes. The most genuine, caring guy we’ve met. What a Christmas present for our Norma!”
Followers responded in their droves, with one saying: Love this! Robbie is the best and the kindest man.”
One person said: “That’s what Christmas is about, spreading joy and kindness and a sprinkling of Robbie. Love your posts. Merry Christmas to you and Norma.”
Another responded: “This is soooo sweet. I got to meet, Robbie and hang out with him and he’s one of the nicest people that I’ve ever met.”
A further comment read: “Omg I’m so pleased Norma got her wish. This has made my Christmas to see this as well as hers, bless her, and how fabulous is Robbie and his daughter?”
Another reply said: “She is blessed to have good people around her, and so kind of Robbie to call her.”