Robbie Williams was once teased about his size by Liam Gallagher, who famously called him “the fat dancer from Take That.”
However, the 39-year-old singer cut a notably sleek figure at Monday’s Q Magazine Awards, arriving at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel in a petrol-grey suit.
His tailored outfit highlighted his slimmer frame and was completed with a black roll-neck jumper and patent leather shoes.
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Dashing: Robbie Williams displayed his slimmer figure while collecting the Best Idol prize at the Q Awards
Robbie accepted the Best Idol award at the ceremony, hosted by The Pub Landlord star Al Murray. Ellie Goulding, the Pet Shop Boys and Jake Bugg were also among the evening’s guests and winners.
Taking a playful swipe at the category, Robbie joked that organisers had invented the prize simply to persuade him to attend, saying: “Of all the made-up awards to get a celebrity to an awards show.”
He then added: “I’m genuinely chuffed. I’m 40 next year and I’ve been around for loads and loads of years, and people still deem me important enough to roll me out and get me here and give me an award, and for that I’m very, very grateful.”
Grey day: Robbie’s suit complemented his recently dyed grey hair
Honoured: Robbie said he was “very, very grateful” to receive the Q Idol award
The former Take That singer had disclosed the previous year that he planned to shed weight before his next birthday in February.
“I was looking like Geoff Capes after the Christmas run,” he said. “And seeing as 40 is just around the corner, it’s time to go all yoga and lentils… or who knows where it could all end.”
Robbie also addressed his struggles with weight in the song “No One Likes a Fat Pop Star,” featured on his upcoming album Swings Both Ways, the eagerly awaited follow-up to his 2001 swing record.
Check mate: The singer’s suit had a discreet check design and velvet lapels
Slimline: Robbie looked trim in his dark-grey tailored suit
Explaining why he returned to the genre, Robbie said: “First of all, I wanted to do a swing album because I wanted to do a swing album. I always knew I’d do another and I think now is the perfect time to do it.
“It’s different – it’s not all covers. I had some songs that I wanted the world to hear and check out and maybe become part of the fabric of their lives, if I’m lucky enough, that I’ve had a hand in writing.
The record combines classic covers with original material and includes collaborations with Michael Bublé, Olly Murs, Rufus Wainwright, Lily Allen and Kelly Clarkson.
Chunkier: Robbie appeared heavier while performing at Germany’s HDI Arena in Hannover in July 2013
Meanwhile, Olly Murs has revealed that his new single, “Hand on Heart,” will feature a music video dedicated to Robbie Williams.
The singer, who became friends with Robbie after supporting him on his European tour earlier this year, is planning to re-create Robbie’s iconic Angels video, with Robbie set to make a cameo appearance.
Robbie’s latest album Swings Both Ways is released on November 18.
