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Robbie Williams has candidly revealed for the first time that he has been secretly living with Tourette’s syndrome. The 50-year-old superstar, known for his powerful stage presence and cheeky charm, admitted that while his outbursts are internal rather than physical, the condition has been an “intrusive” part of his life for years.
The former Take That singer opened up during the debut episode of the new season of Paul Whitehouse and Dr Mine Conkbayir’s podcast, I’m ADHD! No You’re Not, in which he explored the intersection of his ADHD diagnosis, addiction battles, and ongoing mental health challenges.
"Even a stadium can’t drown it out"
Robbie described the relentless nature of his Tourette’s:
“It’s intrusive. Even when I’m stood in front of tens of thousands of screaming fans, the thoughts are still there. Not even that noise can drown them out.”
He explained that his Tourette’s is not always visible to the public but manifests as a constant internal dialogue that can be overwhelming.
A lifetime of challenges
Since skyrocketing to fame in the early 1990s with Take That, Robbie has faced a well-documented battle with alcohol and drug addiction, leading to several stints in rehab. He has also spoken openly about his mental health struggles, anxiety, and ADHD.
On the podcast, Robbie revealed that he recently underwent an autism assessment, which came back negative but highlighted “autistic traits.” These include a reliance on routine, difficulty leaving his safe space, particularly his bed, and heightened levels of anxiety.
“The bed is my safe place,” Robbie said. “Leaving it can feel terrifying, even though I’ve been playing sold-out arenas for decades.”
Fear of touring never went away
Despite selling out stadiums across the world and establishing himself as one of Britain’s most successful solo artists, Robbie confessed that touring still terrifies him.
“I’ve been doing this for over 30 years, but I’m still scared of it,” he admitted. “It’s a constant battle between the joy of performing and the fear that comes with it.”
His honesty highlights the pressure artists face behind the curtain of fame, even when their public image is larger than life.
Fans praise Robbie’s honesty
Robbie’s revelation has been met with widespread support online, with fans praising his bravery for shedding light on Tourette’s syndrome and the stigma surrounding hidden neurological conditions. For many, it’s another example of the singer’s trademark honesty, which has made him one of Britain’s most relatable stars despite his global fame.
Looking ahead
With his career spanning more than three decades, including global hits such as Angels, Rock DJ, and Let Me Entertain You, Robbie remains a household name. His recent Netflix documentary charted the highs and lows of his life, offering fans an unfiltered look at his struggles.
Now, with his Tourette’s diagnosis revealed, Robbie’s story is one of resilience, and a reminder that even the brightest stars carry invisible battles.
