Beckham 'solved my Live 8 nerves'

Robbie Williams releases his new album on Monday

Robbie Williams has told how the sight of a terrified David Beckham helped him to come to terms with nerves before his Live 8 performance this summer.

The 31-year-old pop star was nervous about his first live performance in the UK for two years.

But he lost his nerves when he saw Beckham fretting about introducing him on stage at London's Hyde Park.

"David looked more scared and I got a perverse joy out of it," he said on BBC One's Friday Night with Jonathan Ross.

Live 8 was the crowd. The crowd did it - I just tried to sing in key Robbie Williams

"He's a big hero of mine," Williams added.

Of his Live 8 performance he added: "Live 8 was the crowd. The crowd did it - I just tried to sing in key."

He appeared on the chat show with TV presenter Des Lynam.

Speaking of his reputation as a showman he told Ross: "I don't know what it is I do.

"I come from the tradition of a big Irish family that loves to sing.

"I love to perform, make great gestures."

'Miserable image'

Williams said he was happier than he had ever been with his career.

"I'm loving being a pop star right now," he said.

"Everyone thinks I'm miserable."

Looking ahead to Monday's release of new album Intensive Care, he said: "I'm so proud of the new stuff, I can't wait to tour.

"I'm 10 years into a solo career and I'm so happy."

Friday night with Jonathan Ross is screened at 2235 BST on BBC One.