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Hana Carter

Robbie Williams says painting in his garage 'quiets the voices in his head'

Robbie Williams has revealed how painting in his garage saved him as he battled mental health demons.

The singer, 48, who has suffered from anxiety and depression since he was 16, said that working on his art silences the voices in his head.

The former Take That singer, who is starring in a biopic made about him, told The Times that art has "made him a different person".

"It used to be cocaine and strippers - now it's colouring in," he joked.

"I would definitely say I spend a lot of time not having to deal with Radio Rob,' he added, touching on his name for his inner voice.

Robbie Williams will be debuting his artistic skills at Sotheby's (Getty Images for Sotheby's)
He says that he's bored of cocaine and strippers, and prefers 'colouring in' (@robbiewilliams/Instagram)

"It's safer for me to be out here doing this than it is being in there," he adds, pointing to his head.

Robbie found his love for art during the pandemic, adding that he now "doesn't spend any time in the real world".

But he stressed that he has been the happiest and most satisfied he has ever been in his life.

Robbie is teaming up with interior designer Ed Godrich for the Williams Godrich exhibition at Sotheby's in London.

Robbie says that he and Ed go into a trance when they paint (@robbiewilliams/Instagram)
Robbie admitted that he 'doesn't spend time in the real world' (@robbiewilliams/Instagram)

He will be proudly presenting his black and white paintings on large boards.

Rob and Ed's creations are expected to be sold for £20,000 at the exhibition that will be open to the public.

The pair said that they enter a mediative space when they work, and they like to listen to Annie Mac's DJ sets as they paint.

Robbie says that art has helped to quiet his busy mind (@robbiewilliams/Instagram)
Robbie has faced his demons over the years (Getty Images for Bauer)

Robbie also opened up about how he's preparing to be criticised for his change of career.

He said that he will be "kicked in the head" for entering the art world.

Speaking of his own thoughts on this, he said how he remembered seeing singers try their hand at acting and question it.

He stressed that people liked celebrities to "stay in their box".

Robbie will be starring in a biopic about himself (FILE)

Production has started on the Rock DJ hitmaker's biopic in Melbourne, Australia.

Better Man will cover his rise to fame and the battles with his mental health that he's faced along the way.

British actor Jonno Davies, 29, who starred in Amazon Prime's Hunters, will play a young Robbie.

In an official statement the production said the film was "a satirical musical based on the life of a pop star".

Robbie Williams back in his early Take That days with Mark Owen, Gary Barlow, Jason Orange and Howard Donald (Getty Images)

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The film will be made by Australian filmmaker Michael Gracey, who directed The Greatest Showman.

"To tell Robbie William's beautiful, distinct story, back home, in my own city, is a dream come true.

"There is a creative energy that burns across the Melbourne film industry, and I know this movie will thrive here."

Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@mirror.co.uk or call us direct 0207 29 33033.

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