Poorly Robbie defies doctors

Robbie Williams plans to go to Stockholm on Thursday

Pop star Robbie Williams has said he is determined to carry on working despite suffering from gastroenteritis and exhaustion.

Williams, who has just completed a 21-date tour of the UK, has been advised to rest by doctors.

However, the singer said he will perform at the MTV Europe Awards in Stockholm, Sweden on Thursday.

Robbie Williams has been directed by doctors to take time out of his schedule to rest

EMI

A statement from his record company, EMI, confirmed that Williams was planning to defy medical advice.

"Robbie Williams has been directed by doctors to take time out of his schedule to rest.

"Suffering from severe gastrotenteritis and exhaustion, Robbie is however determined to perform as planned at Thursday's MTV Awards."

Williams has been nominated for five awards at the MTV event, including best song and best video for his number one single Rock DJ.

The winners are chosen by fans from all over Europe who vote by phone or on a web site.

His band and crew will be arriving in Sweden on Tuesday to make their preparations.

"Although his recovery is tentative, Robbie is insisting that he will join them in Stockholm on Thursday's show day," added his record company.

Williams is due to perform Kids, his single featuring Kylie Minogue.

Williams had been under the weather for several days, before being struck with the stomach disorder gastroenteritis.

He was suffering from a bad cold at the Q Awards a fortnight ago - where he became involved in a slanging match with Oasis singer Liam Gallagher.

He was however able to perform on a Michael Parkinson special with Sir Elton John at the end of last week.