News of June 2004
22/06/04
FROM THE MIRROR:
He's been battling depression for
ages but things seem to be getting even worse for Robbie Williams.He is now so
terrified of being alone that he insists on having a minder sleep at the bottom
of his bed every night. It may sound strange for a man of 30 years, but a
worried friend tells us: "Rob just can't seem to stop feeling so down.
"He won't sleep in a room unless there is security there, so some poor chap has
to kip on the sofa at the end of his bed."
In fact we're told the only time his bedroom minders get a night off is when
Robbie brings back, ahem, lady friends. The source went on: "Robbie needs
constant company. He is surrounded by people who care about him but even they
are struggling to pull him out of this depression. "On the surface he's got it
made. He wants for nothing. But no one's ever seen him so unhappy. "In the past
he relied on his best friend Jonathan Wilkes but now he's married Rob feels more
isolated." Multi-millionaire Robbie returned to Los Angeles last month after
finding life in Britain unbearable. He came back to the UK in February after 18
months to gear up for the release of a Greatest Hits album. But Robbie, who has
battled drink and drugs in the past, was so anxious to return that he even left
his pet dogs in quarantine. Pals say they now fear he will go back on the booze.
In his sprawling Hollywood mansion Robbie is working on songs for his sixth
album, due for release early next year. He has admitted to insomnia in the past,
saying, "I can't get to sleep nowadays until five in the morning. It used to be
much easier with alcohol." Our source continues: "Deep down he is unhappy and
insecure. "Everyone wants him to pull through. It can't go on like this for much
longer." We sincerely hope it doesn't.
15/06/04
British pop star Robbie Williams'
quest to find success in Hollywood has been dealt a timely boost - from his ex
Take That bandmate Mark Owen.
Owen is convinced Williams - who is making his big screen debut in upcoming Cole
Porter biopic De-lovely - will be able to transfer his vibrant personality to
the movie studio with ease. He says, "I think Robbie'll be great at acting - he's
so talented.
"He's got the personality to be able to do that. I saw him when I was in LA
recording my latest single, Makin' Out."
15/06/04
A State-of-the-art performing
arts suite at a Stoke-on-Trent high school which is named after its most famous
pupil has been officially opened. The Robert "Robbie" Williams Performing Arts
Suite was opened last night at St Margaret Ward Catholic School And Arts College
in Tunstall by former headteacher, Conrad Bannon, in the presence of the pop
star's mum Jan Williams and sister Sally.
Robbie had made the £1 million building possible by donating £50,000 from his
personal fortune to allow the school to gain specialist status as a performing
arts college.
Then the school, backed by Stoke-on-Trent North MP Joan Walley, put in bids to
the Department of Education to get the funds for the vision to become a reality.
The suite boasts a drama and dance studio, a second studio, control room, an old
and new gym, showers and changing rooms, offices, store rooms, a garden and
courtyard.
Robbie's former deputy headteacher Frank Jevons, who is head of the Arts
College, told how the once distant dream was made possible by Robbie's
generosity. "He was a super boy and it was great of him to stump up the cash. I
remember him as someone who had a lot of flair and was made for the stage. He
has been back a couple of times to see us and always comes unexpected. Hopefully,
he can come again in the next few months."
Headteacher Chris Smith said the building was a "fantastic facility for the
pupils" which would allow them to perform at a higher level. He paid particular
praise to Robbie for his sponsorship, Mrs Williams for her ongoing support for
the school, his predecessor Mr Bannon for having the vision for the centre, and
to Ms Walley for her "influence in helping the bid become successful". Mrs
Williams said the project took off after she had been talking to Mr Bannon and
he said the school was trying to raise £50,000 to allow it to gain specialist
status as a performing arts centre.
She said: "I spoke to Robert and he decided to donate the cash. Robert is very
proud of his school and is always asking after it. He wants to know how
everybody is, especially his old teachers and he keeps in touch with some of his
old friends and Mr Bannon. He is hoping to visit the school soon. He wanted this
building so it can be used by the children of the city."
Former headteacher Mr Bannon said: "Robert could have ignored the school. It is
tremendous what he has done. The difficult bit is getting the £50,000 but Robert
came in with a magnificent gesture and we are eternally grateful."
02/06/04
Former Take That singer Robbie
Williams has had no luck breaking into the fickle American pop scene but he
might be poised on the brink of a Hollywood movie career instead.
He has blown away famed movie producer Irwin Winkler with his performance in the
eagerly awaited biopic De-Lovely.
The 30-year-old Brit starred alongside Hollywood beauty Ashley Judd and veteran
actor Kevin Kline and impressed the Oscar-winning producer so much he is now
determined to turn Williams into a movie star.
Winkler excitedly explains: "He was so successful in this movie that when we do
the TV slots to promote the film, we're using scenes of him singing De-Lovely.
He's really great. I picked him up for the film because I had seen a TV special
and knew he could do it."
The Shipping News producer wasn't happy about the 'Millennium' singer's tattoos
but was delighted by Robbie's sharp appearance in a tuxedo and is now planning
to give him the starring role in a big-screen musical he's got on the books.
