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X Factor? Wild-eyed Robbie Williams thought he was on Pop Eyed-ol

By JO CLEMENTS
Last updated at 12:20 AM on 13th October 2009

It was meant to be his triumphant comeback performance following a spell in rehab battling an addiction to prescription drugs.

But Robbie Williams's appearance on The X Factor left many of the 13million viewers wondering if he was quite ready for the challenge.

Wide-eyed, unblinking and glistening with sweat, the 35-year-old singer regularly interrupted his lyrics to shake hands with audience members and address the crowd.


Fidgety: Fans said Robbie Williams looked 'weird' during his performance on Sunday's X Factor show


Unblinking: A sweat-soaked Williams leaves the studio after his first performance in three years in the UK

This was combined with a series of ungainly dance moves which saw him swaying, spinning and stamping.

Fans flocked to the show's internet message boards on Sunday night to discuss the singer's rendition of his new single Bodies.

'It's totally disgusting that he was allowed to perform in such a state,' one wrote.

Another claimed the former Take That star's performance was so 'wide-eyed' and 'weird' that her children were asking what was wrong.


My new friend: Dermot O'Leary looked surprised when Robbie hugged him


Ungainly: One of Robbie's dance moves

But others defended him, putting it down to nerves, adrenaline and the pressure to impress.

'Give him a break, he was just nervous,' one wrote. 'You can see how overwhelmed he was with the crowd and loved being back on stage doing what he does best.'

The singer's performance on Sunday night's live results show was his first appearance on a British stage in three years.

He repeatedly broke off from his vocals to address the audience. 'What a pleasure, what a pleasure,' he said, leaning over the front of the stage and shaking hands with fans.

Williams, who claims he used to take a 'colossal' mixture of prescription drugs, appeared fidgety on stage, nodding, taking his microphone on and off the stand and wiping sweat from his brow.

Even his dance moves - once polished and perfected in Take That - looked the opposite of choreographed.


Home time: Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole leave the studio

Williams did not appear any calmer after his performance when he was briefly interviewed by host Dermot O'Leary. The singer waxed lyrical about how 'great' it was to be back, grinning, giggling and bouncing up and down, his eyes still wide. 'I loved it, I loved it,' he repeated excitedly, his eyes flitting from side to side.

He appeared to be struggling to concentrate, shuffling his feet, scratching his head and putting his hand in and out of his pocket while O'Leary asked him questions.

Even the host himself looked a little shocked when Williams hugged him unexpectedly before leaving the stage.


Sharp exit: Dannii Minogue and Holly Willoughby call it a night


Famous faces: Former X Factor winner Alexandra Burke also performed on the night and Kimberley Walsh came to see Robbie's comeback performance

A spokesman for the singer fervently denied yesterday that his wide-eyed appearance was caused by anything other than excitement.

'The truth is he hasn't performed in the UK for ages and he was excited to be on the show,' he said. 'That's the reason his performance was so spirited. He was excited to be there and to perform the single live for the first time.

'He was not on anything. What you saw was a great performer doing what he does best.'


Support: Nicola Roberts attended the show with her boyfriend Charlie Fennell

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz...p-Eyed-ol.html