Robbie Williams has shared details of his social anxiety, explaining it triggers his discomfort whenever he is approached by fans for photographs and autographs. 

The former Take That singer turned solo star wrote on social media that he is frightened by social interaction and panics when approached by a stranger. 

Williams wrote on Instagram that being approached for photos on a recent flight triggered his anxiety. He said that a fan had sent him a note asking for a photo and he had sent a note of reply, saying: 

“I explained I’d been up since 04:30, had two hours’ sleep, and wrangled four kids through the airport. I’ve got bags under my eyes and I’m dealing with anxiety.

“I explained that if they came and took a photo with me, my anxiety would spike – because then the whole cabin would start wondering who I am.”

These incidents prompted Williams to call for people to reconsider that celebrities should be accessible 24/7 – “like you’re the mayor of the best town.”

The singer, the subject of recent biopic Better Man in which he is portrayed by a CGI chimpanzee, has a previous well-documented history of substance abuse and depression. 

He wrote that he felt “gratitude” for those who tell him they are genuine fans of his, saying: “This isn’t a complaint, it’s context.”

Williams said he saw it as “being of service” and that, if it made someone happy, he would do his best to facilitate: “Still… I think there needs to be a caveat.

“Every interaction – with strangers or even people I know well – fills me with discomfort… Every time a stranger approaches – and they are strangers – I panic.”

He added: “I’m not saying don’t ask. You can. What I am saying is: let people be people.”