Robbie Williams talks about being played by a CGI monkey in his bizarre biopic

ROBBIE Williams has always enjoyed monkeying around and reveals he is delighted he will be played by a CGI chimp in the much anticipated story of his life.

The Take That superstar, whose bizarre biopic Better Man hits UK cinemas on Boxing Day, says casting the ape was sheer genius as he has been a “performing monkey” since he was a teenager.

Robbie, who has just turned 50, admits he is the happiest he has ever been after laying the demons of his past to rest and can’t wait for people to see the movie.

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Directed by The Greatest Showman’s Michael Gracey, the film is told from Robbie’s perspective and follows his journey growing up in Stoke-on-Trent to being the youngest member of Take That.

It also recalls his time as a record-breaking solo artist while tackling the dizzying highs and staggering lows that stratospheric fame can bring.

The dad-of-four, who is one of the world’s best selling artists, said: “The monkey was all Michael. He pitched me the idea of having my spirit animal tell this story. I wanted to be a lion but he was like, ‘Erm, no. We see you more as a monkey.’ So yeah, everyone in the film is human except for me. I’m a CGI monkey. But I loved the idea. I’m a performing monkey. It works. I totally get it.

“You definitely don’t have to be a Robbie Williams fan to watch the movie. This film is basically a cautionary tale that I hope will reach out and touch all kinds of people. It’s ambitious, you have never seen anything like it before and it’s heartfelt. I can’t wait for everyone to see it.”

Robbie, who had a huge solo carer after leaving Take That in 1995, added: “The first time I saw it I was very emotional. It’s an overwhelming experience for me every time I watch this film. The first time I saw it I was worried because I wanted it to be epic and I didn’t want to be disappointed. I wasn’t.

“I was blown away. But like with the documentary I did, I see this as healing experience and part of me being able to enjoy the next chapter in my life in a way I haven’t always enjoyed the previous ones.”

The singer, who joined Take That at age 16, said the biopic which stars Benidorm actor Steve Pemberton as his dad Pete Conway came about by accident.

Robbie, who has been married to American actress Ayda Field since 2010, explained: “It really started with meeting the incredible Michael Gracey. There was a weird connection there. Basically, his lawyer is the father of my wife’s childhood friend. So we were there visiting and that’s when I was introduced to Michael.

“I was just really taken with him from that moment on really. We got talking and that’s really where the collaboration started. Michael is a genius filmmaker. I never thought he would be interested for a minute but then he asked me!”

“My part was easy. I basically sat down with Michael for something like seven hours over a multiple sessions and then at the end of it, I just let him get on with it. He’s the genius filmmaker, not me. I just stayed out of the way.”

Better Man, which also stars Gavin and Stacey’s Alison Steadman as Robbie’s gran Betty, has been well received by critics and the popstar hopes audiences will also take it to their hearts.

The Millennium singer, who has won a record 18 Brit Awards, said: “There has been such an incredible warmth around this film wherever we have shown it. People seem to have a real love and compassion for this story. To be in the room with a standing ovation from an audience after seeing this is something I will never forget.

“It means so much to me. But at the same time, I really don’t know for sure how it will be received by the public. It might be a disaster, it might be huge, I don’t know. There’s a lot riding on this for me, my lifestyle and my family. I’m brittle so I’m really hoping it will continue to be received well.”

Robbie, who is dad to daughters Theodora, 12, and Colette, six, and sons Charlton, nine, and Beau, four, said he’s happy to have reached the age of 50 thanks to the love and support of his family.

He said: “I’m fine with turning 50. In fact I’m loving life right now. I’m busier than I have ever been and this film is a big part of that. I’m feeling grateful for all of this in a way I wasn’t when I was younger. I’m not bitter and cynical anymore.

“I have done the boyband thing, I’ve had a solo career and now I’m getting a third bite at all this. This is the third act of my life and I’m finding I can enjoy it. I’m so grateful for that. People are calling me a veteran of the business now. I’ll take that.

“My family drive me to put myself out there. I’m so grateful for my family and a big part of this is for them. I still feel the need to be creative and to be doing things. I feel lucky I can do that.”

Robbie, who gained a Guinness World Record in 2006 for selling 1.6 million tickets in a single day during his Close Encounters Tour, added: “My kids have given me purpose and perspective on life and what’s really important. I love my job. I love what I do but I also love being a father more. I feel positive about the future and I feel like I am finally getting to be the best version of me. My wife and kids are the reason for that.”

Robbie admitted fame will always be a like a mental illness to him but said he is doing better now than ever before. He said: “I don’t know if I have a healthier relationship with fame now. Fame is like a mental illness for me. It’s everything else about this job that I love. It’s the best job in the world, I realise that now. It’s taken this long but I really feel like I have come into my own as an entertainer. I’m enjoying every minute.

“I often look back on how lucky I’ve been and how grateful I am now that I’m still here. There was a time that I couldn’t enjoy anything but that’s all changed. I find it hard to look back but when I do, I find I can exhale and feel the relief that I accomplished what I did and that I still get to do something I love as a job.”

Williams, who dated two Spice Girls - Mel C and Geri - back in the day, added: “I’m so busy. I have new music coming out. I have my own clothing line I’m working on. I’m building hotels. I’m doing everything. I’ve never been busier, I’m loving life and I feel lucky again.”

Better Man is in cinemas on Boxing Day - December 26

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