Robbie Williams, the ever-candid British pop icon, pulled back the curtain on his ambitions, family, and creative process during an extensive interview with Scott Mills on BBC Radio 2’s Breakfast Show, aired January 12, 2026. The conversation, both intimate and wide-ranging, offered a rare glimpse into the singer’s mindset as he prepares to release his latest album, Britpop, and contemplates breaking one of the music industry’s most storied records.
Williams, known for his chart-topping solo career and his days as a member of Take That, didn’t shy away from discussing what’s at stake with Britpop, set for release on February 6, 2026. If the album reaches number one on the UK charts, Williams will surpass The Beatles for the most Number One albums in UK history—a feat he admits is both exhilarating and anxiety-inducing. “It’s one of the most important achievements of my career outside my family life,” Williams confided to Mills, according to BBC Radio 2. Yet, he also acknowledged the imposter syndrome that accompanies such lofty ambitions, saying the possibility of overtaking The Beatles brings up a mix of pride and self-doubt.
That blend of confidence and vulnerability colored the entire interview. Williams revealed he’s far from slowing down, creatively or otherwise. In fact, he told Mills he has five solo albums already written and ready to go. “I want to work, I want to go out there, I want to be at it. I’m still incredibly ambitious and I love my work and I love working,” Williams declared, as reported by Clash Music. While Britpop is his current focus, he teased another album in the pipeline that he’s making purely for his own satisfaction, regardless of how it’s received by the public. It’s a sign that, after decades in the spotlight, Williams remains driven by a personal artistic fire rather than just commercial success.
The conversation naturally turned to Take That, the group that launched Williams to stardom in the 1990s. With the band’s massive Circus tour making a comeback, Mills couldn’t resist asking if Williams might rejoin his old bandmates. Williams didn’t rule it out entirely, but he was clear about his current intentions. “I did love it last time. Not right now. I’m sure we will ride again, but it’s not in my plans right now,” he said, according to Clash Music. He reminisced about how watching footage of the original Circus tour—brought to him by Gary Barlow in Los Angeles—had tempted him back into the fold years ago. “That was what did it. You know, Gaz came round to the house in Los Angeles and he had a copy of the show and he played it me and I just stood, literally stood, didn’t sit, stood and watched it spellbound. Loved it, and I was like, ‘I want back in’,” Williams recalled, painting a vivid picture of the band’s enduring allure.
Despite the nostalgia, Williams confirmed there are no current plans for a reunion, nor for a Knebworth show—a legendary venue he jokingly dismissed during the chat. Still, he left the door open for future collaborations, hinting that the story of Take That might not be finished just yet.
Williams also opened up about his decision not to pursue long-term success in the United States, a choice that has puzzled many fans and music industry insiders. He explained that, at the height of his fame, he was struggling with addiction and the overwhelming pressures of stardom. “I got to America and I was promoting an album and I thought – and I was ill and an addict and an alcoholic and everything was overwhelming and I was at the top of this pile at the time that I couldn’t manage and I couldn’t handle. Nobody does. Nobody does when they’re like number one or whatever it is. Nobody manages it well,” Williams admitted, as quoted by Clash Music. He likened his experience to living as Bruce Wayne in Los Angeles—enjoying anonymity and stability—while playing Batman everywhere else. The move, he suggested, allowed him to regain a sense of normalcy and protect his mental health during a turbulent period.
Another highlight of the interview was Williams’ reflection on the Better Man biopic, a film chronicling his life and career. Williams expressed gratitude for the project, even if it didn’t reach as wide an audience as he’d hoped. “Everybody who sees it, loved it. Unfortunately, not enough did! But everybody who sees it comes out going that was that was incredible. I’m very, very lucky once again to have a biopic about me as an advert for me and my life and my career,” he said, according to Clash Music. The film, he noted, serves as both a celebration and a testament to the ups and downs of his journey in music.
Family, too, was a recurring theme. On January 9, 2026, Williams appeared on the same BBC Radio 2 show and spoke movingly about his 13-year-old daughter, Teddy. The singer revealed that Teddy is “desperate to be famous,” sharing a touching anecdote about her texting him in the early hours, afraid she might not become a singer. The radio host, Scott Mills, commented on how special it must be for Williams’ children to know who their father is and participate in vocal warm-ups before his shows. Williams agreed, saying, “Yeah, it is very, very cool. Ted in particular is so desperate for it.” It’s a reminder that, even for a superstar, parenting can be filled with both pride and worry.
Williams also addressed the realities of living under constant public scrutiny. Despite his decades in the limelight, he admitted he still cares about criticism and online judgment. He confessed to being sensitive to what people say about him, even as he strives to catch himself before passing judgment on others. This candidness about vulnerability, especially in an era of relentless social media commentary, resonated with many listeners.
As for Britpop itself, Williams described the album as the record he would have made if he had just left Take That in 1997, but with all the wisdom he’s gained since. He summed it up as “British pop music with guitars but rooted in reflection rather than nostalgia.” The album’s release is more than just another entry in his discography—it’s a statement of artistic intent, blending the sound of a generation with the introspection of a seasoned performer.
Throughout the interview, Williams’ admiration for fellow artists shone through. He praised Jon Bon Jovi, calling him “one of the greatest performers of all time” and encouraging listeners to watch the band’s recent documentary. He marveled at Bon Jovi’s confidence in embracing his own legacy, perhaps drawing inspiration for his own ongoing journey.
With five albums in the vault, a new record on the horizon, and the possibility of breaking The Beatles’ chart record, Robbie Williams remains as restless and compelling as ever. His story—marked by ambition, struggle, resilience, and a touch of self-doubt—continues to captivate fans old and new. Whether or not Britpop claims the top spot, Williams’ willingness to share his triumphs and insecurities alike ensures that his legacy will endure, both in the charts and in the hearts of listeners.
