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Williams enters rehab on birthday Williams enters rehab on birthday
(about 1 hour later)
Pop singer Robbie Williams has been admitted into a rehab clinic in the US on his 33rd birthday, to be treated for a dependency on prescription drugs.Pop singer Robbie Williams has been admitted into a rehab clinic in the US on his 33rd birthday, to be treated for a dependency on prescription drugs.
It is not the first time that the British star has entered rehab, having become addicted to drugs and alcohol after he left Take That in 1995. It is not the first time the British star has entered rehab, having become addicted to drugs and alcohol after he left Take That in 1995.
He said later that his condition was so bad that Sir Elton John "kidnapped" him and made him seek treatment.He said later that his condition was so bad that Sir Elton John "kidnapped" him and made him seek treatment.
In September, his Asian tour was called off because of stress and exhaustion.In September, his Asian tour was called off because of stress and exhaustion.
He was to have visited Shanghai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, Mumbai (Bombay) and Bangalore in November. The Los Angeles-based performer was to have visited Shanghai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, Mumbai (Bombay) and Bangalore in November.
A spokesman said at the time that to have performed in those cities after honouring European and South American commitments would have been "asking too much".A spokesman said at the time that to have performed in those cities after honouring European and South American commitments would have been "asking too much".
'Blow up' 'Personal issues'
In a TV interview broadcast in 2004, Williams, who lives in Los Angeles, said he only gave up drugs and alcohol because they made him too fat. Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke - based in Williams' home town - his mother, Jan, said it was a "gift" for her that he was seeking treatment.
"He's a very public figure and all the media attention at the moment is added pressure on him," she said.
I shall be sending him loads and loads of love as always - I have always given him a lot of loving support Jan Williams, Robbie's mother
Mrs Williams plans to fly out to the US after her son has finished his spell in rehab.
"I shall be going across at some stage but when you're in rehab, it's a programme for the person themselves, and they have to address their own personal issues," she added.
In a TV interview broadcast in 2004, Williams said he only gave up drugs and alcohol because they made him too fat.
He said his addiction made him "blow up to the size of a small aircraft hangar".He said his addiction made him "blow up to the size of a small aircraft hangar".
Williams' former Take That bandmates are currently enjoying a hugely successful comeback, including a number one single and album, and a sell-out UK tour.Williams' former Take That bandmates are currently enjoying a hugely successful comeback, including a number one single and album, and a sell-out UK tour.
Their song Patience is expected to win best single at the Brit Awards ceremony, which takes place in London on Wednesday.Their song Patience is expected to win best single at the Brit Awards ceremony, which takes place in London on Wednesday.
But this is the first time in several years that Williams has failed to be in the running for the best male or best album categories.But this is the first time in several years that Williams has failed to be in the running for the best male or best album categories.