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Robbie Williams is one of the UK’s most popular and successful music artists of the past few decades, and Michael Gracey’s latest biopic Better Man explores his turbulent rise to fame in an extremely creative way. The movie follows the early years of Williams’ career as a British pop icon through the lens of a CGI monkey, where everybody else in the film is played by real humans. Robbie Williams being played by a monkey is a fascinating storytelling device that allows Better Man to more closely navigate the singer’s own perception of himself during a particularly dark period in his life.

Williams first became famous for his work in Take That, a British boy band that was hugely successful in the early 1990s for their romantic ballads and catchy pop tunes. Williams was the first to leave the band, with various members of the group citing...

Better Man includes an entertaining and talented cast in its unusual depiction of a popular singer’s career. Directed by Michael Gracey, Better Man focuses on the life and career of British singer, Robbie Williams, during his time as a member of the popular boy band, Take That and his eventual success as a solo performer. The movie also focuses on the different relationships Williams had with his family members and the struggles he faced with mental health and drugs before he was able to overcome his demons and revive his career in the late 2000s.

Released in theaters in 2024, Better Man was released to high praise for its portrayal of the highs and lows of Williams’ career. The movie was also praised for its casting, soundtrack, and the decision to portray Williams as an anthropomorphic chimpanzee among humans; Better Man received a record-breaking 16 award nominations at the 2025 Australian Academy...

Robbie Williams needs no introduction. Unless you live in America, in which case, let’s bring everyone up to speed: Born in 1974, Stoke-on-Trent’s favorite son was initially the designated bad boy in Take That, Britain’s late ’80s answer to New Kids on the Block. He lived up to his reputation as a kid who loved a good time not wisely but too well, which eventually got him booted from the band. Williams’ subsequent solo career was stratospheric — without getting too Wikipedia-page about it, let’s just...

The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland is a surprising Christmas mash-up that invites viewers to see what would happen if Santa Claus came across Lewis Carrolls Queen of Hearts. The Hulu animated film is based on a 2019 book of the same name by childrens author Carys Bexington and stays true to that books art style in its telling of the story. It stars Emilia Clarke as the Queen of Hearts, Simone Ashley as Alice, and Gerard Butler as Saint Nicholas.

The animated Christmas movie marks a return by Butler to the world of musicals after a 20-year absence. Butler starred in a film adaptation of Phantom of the Opera that was released in 2004, and the spotlight hasnt been on his singing ability since. The Plane stars singing has been featured in the trailer for the movie, as has music by the movies songwriters Guy Chambers and Amy Wadge.

Related Every...

Get into the holiday spirit with The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland, available to stream in the U.S. on Prime Video and Hulu beginning November 15.

The Sky Original Film will premiere the film on the Sky Cinema platform on December 13 as a centerpiece of their Christmas offering, alongside their extensive catalog of movies available on demand.

The film is based on the bestselling book written by Carys Bexington, illustrated by Kate Hindley, and published by Macmillan. The book mashes up two classic tales: Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland and Clement Clarke Moore’s poem, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (also known as “A Visit from St Nicholas”).

The plot features characters from both story worlds, including St Nick, voiced by Gerard Butler, The Queen of Hearts, voiced by Emilia Clarke, and Alice in Wonderland voiced by Simone Ashley.

In the film, St Nick receives a delayed letter on...

Last Christmas, Emilia Clarke got a heart, but this year she and her castmates are in the giving mood, as we're getting a new animated classic-to-be, The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland. The film's streaming release date has been set, and will be viewable in UK and US homes just in time for the holiday season.

As reported by Variety, the mash-up of The Night Before Christmas and Alice in Wonderland has an extremely star-studded cast, including Clarke as the voice of The Queen of Hearts, Gerard Butler as St. Nick/Santa Claus, and Simone Ashley of Bridgerton fame as Alice in Wonderland.

What is the Plot of The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland? Your browser does not support the video tag.

The musical movie is based on Carys Bexington's bestselling book of the same name, which mashes up Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland with the classic Clement Clarke Moore poem,...

“The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland,” the animated musical featuring the voices of Emilia Clarke, Gerard Butler, and Simone Ashley, will premiere on Nov. 15 on Prime Video and Hulu in the U.S., Amazon announced Friday. In addition, the film will bow in the U.K. on Sky Cinema on Dec. 13.

Directed by Oscar and BAFTA winner Peter Baynton, the film is based on Carys Bexington’s bestselling book, which mashes up Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland” and Clement Clarke Moore’s poem “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” (also known as “A Visit from St Nicholas”). In the film, after receiving a delayed letter on Christmas Eve from the Princess of Hearts, St Nick (Butler) and his team of reindeer head to Wonderland, where they’re greeted by the mean and miserable Queen of Hearts (Clarke), who hates all things Christmas, especially presents. With the help of Alice (Ashley...

Star-studded animated holiday feature “The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland” has set a streaming release date in the U.S. and U.K.

The musical movie, which features the voices of Emilia Clarke (“Game of Thrones”), Gerard Butler (“Greenland”) and Simone Ashley (“Bridgerton”), is based on Carys Bexington’s bestselling book, which mashes up Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland” and Clement Clarke Moore’s poem “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” (also known as “A Visit from St Nicholas”). The book is illustrated by Kate Hindley and published by Macmillan.

Peter Baynton, who directed the Oscar- and BAFTA-winning animated short “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse,” helms the feature, which has been adapted by Sara Daddy (writing entirely in rhyming couplets) and features original music and songs from long-time Robbie Williams collaborator Guy Chambers and Grammy winner Amy Wadge.

Simone Ashley and Gerard Butler in the recording...

Emilia Clarke, Gerard Butler and Simone Ashley have been cast to lead the voices on the animated musical ‘The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland.’

Gerard Butler is set to voice St. Nick, while Emilia Clarke will play the Queen of Hearts and ‘Bridgerton’s’ Simone Ashley will play Alice.

Based on Carys Bexington’s bestselling book which combined two classic stories: Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and Clement Clarke Moore’s poem ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,’ the animation is said to be full of fun and festive twists. The synopsis reads This time, it’s St Nick’s turn for an adventure down the rabbit hole. There he meets the Mad Hatter, recast as a high-fashion, reindeer-loving tea party host; the White Rabbit, an endearingly scatty and forgetful character; the Queen of Hearts, a Scrooge-esque tinsel-hater, her antagonistic sidekick, the Cheshire Cat and Alice herself, whose kindness helps St.

Game of Thrones alum Emilia Clarke lands her second role in just over a week. Clarke will be feeling the holiday spirit for her next project as she'll lend her voice to an upcoming animated Christmas musical.

According to Variety, Clarke is set to feature in the Universal Pictures and Lupus Films feature-length project, The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland. The film is based on Carys Bexington's titular book, which combines two popular Christmas fables, Alice in Wonderland and 'Twas the Night Before Christmas/A Visit From St. Nicholas.

Related 10 Coolest Game of Thrones Creatures (That Arent Dragons)

The Game of Thrones franchise features many more animals than the dragons it is best known for.

Clarke, also known for appearing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Secret Invasion, will voice the Queen of Hearts, Wonderland's tyrannical ruler with sadistic tendencies. She stars in The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland alongside Greenland's Gerard Butler,...

Here we have a documentary, about four hours long and centered on one man, where we don’t see anyone other than the man himself as the narrator. The Robbie Williams docuseries on Netflix, titled after the very man, makes the creative choice of dissecting the man rather than telling the story in a straightforward manner. It is a unique approach, for sure, but does it really work? Let’s find out.

Lying on his bed in his sprawling LA mansion, Robbie Williams takes us down memory lane through thirty years of documented footage. The tool is a basic-looking laptop. He plays and pauses the video while candidly talking about all the highs and lows of his life. Williams describes himself as a loner who is always in bed when he is not performing on stage.

Early Success With Take That And The Downward Spiral

Not many sixteen-year-olds get to...

In today’s Global Bulletin, the deceasing average of ages in BAFTA TV actress nominees raises ageism concerns; Gary Barlow sets music show at the BBC; Red Productions hires Chloe Dunbar as head of development; the European Audiovisual Observatory and the U.K.’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport announce sustainability conference; “Game of Thrones” prequel finds home at Sky Atlantic; and a Stanley Tucci Italian culinary series will debut in June on CNN International.

An analysis conducted by the Acting Your Age Campaign has found that since 2000, the average age of BAFTA leading TV actresses nominees has reduced from 52 to 32. “The messaging of this downwards age-trend is clear and worrying,” the analysis states. “Gendered ageism is seemingly increasing.”

In 2021 alone, nominees Daisy Edgar-Jones (“Normal People”), Billie Piper (“I Hate Suzie”), Hayley Squires (“Adult Material”), Jodie Comer (“Killing Eve”) and Letitia Wright (“Small Axe”) are aged between 22 and...

Take That singer Gary Barlow and Penny Lane Entertainment are set to co-produce a new music and entertainment show for BBC One. The one-hour primetime format is going by the working title I’m With The Band and will bring together a top group of artists and musicians to perform classic songs from past and present, as well as discussing their careers and musical heroes. Deadline first exclusively reported on the project in March.

The show’s band will be led by Barlow on keys and vocals, and also includes Jamie Cullum (piano and vocals), James Bay (guitar and vocals), Mica Paris (vocals), Guy Chambers (keyboards and musical director), Tom Fletcher (guitar and vocals), Danya Fisher (bass) and Donavan Hepburn (drums).

Barlow will welcome special guests to the show including Anne-Marie, DJ and producer Nathan Dawe, rapper MoStack and Craig David. They will collaborate with the band and take part...

Robbie Williams has dropped a surprise festive song, 'Can't Stop Christmas' and it's hilarious.

The new coronavirus-themed single sees Robbie singing lyrics about social distancing over sleighbells and pokes fun at the past 12 months, with references to Facetimes, hand sanitizers, and social distancing.

'Can't Stop Christmas' is filled with playful lyrics, including a line about Santa Claus maintaining social distance and receiving hand sanitizer as a gift.

“Santa’s on his sleigh, but now he’s two meters away,” sings Robbie Williams, as he asks for socks and hand sanitizer from an online buyer.

Taking to Instagram, the musician announced the song's arrival on Friday (Nov. 20), writing: "Out now! Link in bio x #cantstopchristmas."

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A post shared by Robbie Williams (@robbiewilliams)

He also shared a short lyric video, along with the caption: "Here’s the official lyric video for my brand new Christmas song “Can...

Exclusive: Robbie Williams and regular song-writing collaborator Guy Chambers, known for their partnership on hit singles including Angels, Let Me Entertain You and Millenium, are to provide an original song for UK comedy-drama Military Wives, starring Kristin Scott Thomas and Catastrophe‘s Sharon Horgan.

Peter Cattaneo’s (The Full Monty) upcoming film, inspired by the hit BBC documentary series, The Choir: Military Wives, tells the story of a group of women, separated from their loved ones serving in the armed forces, who form a choir at their army base. Pic is currently in post-production.

Bringing aboard Williams, the best-selling British solo artist ever in the UK, is quite a coup for the production. I gather the singer was approached by producers via music supervisor Liz Gallacher and he quickly sparked to the material. It’s not clear at this stage whether Williams will also sing the song.

Williams first started...

Twentieth Century Fox have announced that British comedy Walk Like a Panther will be released in cinemas in UK and Ireland on 9th March, 2018. Starring BAFTA Award nominee Stephen Graham (Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge, Boardwalk Empire), British Independent Film Award winner Dave Johns (I, Daniel Blake), Walk Like a Panther is directed by Dan Cadan, making his feature film debut from his own original screenplay.

Well its often said if you want to check out the cream of the movie crop, you have to go British. I mean come on its no secret we are taking over the Hollywood Film and TV landscape with our talent. However you always get something truly special, funny and unique when you head to the cinema for a British-made movie with British-made stars. And Walk Like a Panther is a great example!

Walk Like a Panther features one hell of an ensemble…...

Exclusive: Stephen Graham, Dave Johns, Jill Halfpenny star in wrestling comedy; first look.

Stephen Graham (Boardwalk Empire), Dave Johns (I, Daniel Blake) and Jill Halfpenny (Humans) have been set for comedy Walk Like A Panther, which is now underway in the Yorkshire, England for Fox International Productions.

Screen can reveal the first look at the project, on which British director Dan Cadan makes his feature debut from his own original screenplay.

The ensemble British cast also includes Sue Johnston (Downton Abbey), Lindsey Coulson (EastEnders), Julian Sands (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo), Jason Flemyng (Snatch), Stephen Tompkinson (Wild At Heart), Michael Socha (This Is England) and hip hop artist/poet Scroobius Pip (Taboo).

The story revolves around a group of ‘80s wrestlers who are forced to don the lycra one last time when their beloved local pub is threatened by closure.

Led by father-son duo, Mark (Graham) and Trevor Bolton (Johns), the unlikely bunch of underdog heroes...

A sequel and continuation from the fun and frolics of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011), The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a film set to entertain.

Unfortunately, that’s about it.

Let’s begin with the plot. Sonny Kapoor (Dev Patel) and Muriel Donnelly (Maggie Smith) are the co-managers of “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” in Jaipur, India. Their hotel is unique as it serves as a special retirement/finding yourself sanctuary. The two co-managers have the ambition to expand, an ambition met with hoops to jump through. Pivotal to the story is Sonny’s wedding to Sunaina (Tina Desai). A wedding comes armed with beautiful clothes, lots of dancing and oh yes – high octane drama. From the beginning, jealousy and insecurity are the driving force in most of the relationships, indeed interesting areas to explore.

Nonetheless, the film is left half-baked, without spark. This is disappointing as the concepts portrayed are powerful,...

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is the second installment of the star-studded British comedy that follows a group of British retirees who decide to spice up their lives in magical India.

In theaters on March 6, 2015, the sequel was once again directed by John Madden, best known for his acclaimed movies Shakespeare In Love (Academy Award winner for Best Picture, 1998), Proof (based on the eponymous Pulitzer Prize winning play, 2005) and The Debt.

The beloved first film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel movie proved to be an international success, grossing over $136 million worldwide.

Read Variety’s early review here.

The renowned cast has reunited for the film including stars Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, Dev Patel, Celia Imrie, Penelope Wilton, Ronald Pickup, Tina Desai, Diana Hardcastle and Lillete Dubey. Additional cast making their debut include Tamsin Greig, with David Strathairn and Richard Gere.

The soundtrack for The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel...

After the success of The Best Exotic Mariold Hotel, Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, Dev Patel, Penelope Wilton, Celia Imrie, Ronald Pickup, Diana Hardcastle, Tamsin Greig, Tina Desai and Lillete Dubey are back for the sequel.

Listen to a preview of Thomas Newman’s score here:

Opening nationwide on March 6, check out this new featurette “The Story,” from Fox Searchlight Pictures’ The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

Now that The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is full up with its long-term residents, co-managers Muriel Donnelly (Maggie Smith) and Sonny Kapoor (Dev Patel) have a dream of expansion, and they’ve found just the place: The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. With plans underway, Evelyn and Douglas (Judi Dench and Bill Nighy) venture into the Jaipur workforce, wondering where their regular breakfast dates will lead.

Meanwhile, Norman and Carol (Ronald Pickup and Diana Hardcastle) navigate the swirling waters of an exclusive relationship,...

We already know that Benedict Cumberbatch is devastatingly fluent in pillow talk, having recently ignited the Internet with the sexiest violin metaphor ever. As his alter ego Sherlock Holmes, "I'd know exactly how to please a woman, I'd know exactly where to put my fingers, where to put my tongue, where to put my - his, I should say - his fingers, his tongue," he recently told Elle UK. "Think about violinists, think about what they can do with their fingers." (Breathe.) More of a mystery, however, is the woman who captured his heartstrings: fiancée Sophie Hunter. Here are five...

London, July 15: Singer Robbie Williams is reportedly planning to quit his Take That band for the second time to pursue his solo career.

The singer, who joined Take That again in 2010 after 15 years of gap, might not be there for the band's seventh studio album, reports dailystar.co.uk.

"Robbie feels rejuvenated about his solo career. He feels on top of his game right now and wants to continue his solo success," a source said.

"Robbie's been back in the studio with Guy Chambers, who co-wrote most of his biggest hits - including 'Angels'," the source added.

However, if possible, the singer would love to juggle.

A hedge fund manager, a science writer and a friend of Robbie Williams gave thousands to the group that is demanding new press laws

One of Britain's wealthiest hedge fund managers, a music producer who is a close friend of Robbie Williams, and a successful author can all be named today as donors to the Hacked Off campaign.

Arpad Busson, whose personal fortune is estimated at £145m, donated £20,000 to the group which is campaigning for new press laws. Other donors include Guy Chambers, a producer for former Take That singer Williams, and the science writer and TV producer Simon Singh, the Observer has discovered.

Hacked Off, which sat in on late-night talks at Ed Miliband's Commons office when the royal charter on newspaper regulation was agreed by the three political parties, refuses to reveal its donors.

On its website, the only funding it discloses is a £50,000 grant during 2012-...

London, Feb 12: British pop heartthrob Robbie Williams' revealed that his new song for his baby Teddy has made her sick.

The former Take That frontman sang his new single, the ditty Go Gentle to his five-month old baby, Theodora Rose, as he carried her around. But the baby threw up after hearing her father sing.

Williams, 39, married to actress Ayda Field, became a father in September 2012.

Williams wrote in his blog that he was on a diet and has already lost 24 pounds.

Robbie also revealed on his blog that he was working on a big project with his songwriting partner Guy Chambers.(Ani)...

We now have proof that Rob's family has forgiven Kristen -- she spent Thanksgiving with the Pattinson clan! See the pic of Rob and Kristen boarding a plane at Heathrow airport on Nov. 23! Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart were spotted boarding a plane at Heathrow Airport in London on Nov. 23 after spending Thanksgiving across the big pond! "Look who's on my plane!!! Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart!! Omfg. No 100% serious we just arrived at the same time they were behind me in the line! Couldn't get a pic though up close," a fan tweeted on Nov. 23. In case you're wondering where Rob and Kristen are heading, they're going to the Big Apple! "At Heathrow going to NY. Yeah they are but they have gone up to first class with Paul McCartney!! Really wanted a pic -- might try and get one!! Omfg I can't believe that!! So excited!!! New york...

Robbie Williams has reunited with Guy Chambers for his upcoming O2 gigs in London. The 'Candy' singer has teamed up with his former songwriting partner for the trio of shows at the venue, which kick off tonight (November 22). In a new video of backstage rehearsals, Chambers is seen accompanying Williams on piano for at least one song. Williams said: "My erstwhile songwriting partner is here. "He's my brother, and it's great sharing a stage with him and I love him to bits." Chambers added: "The last time I was playing on a stage with him was 10 years ago, so it will be very nice to do it again. "It's going to be very emotional because my children are coming, and they've never seen me in an arena. They've seen me in a local pub, but they haven't seen me doing a massive (more)...

John Bishop and Heston Blumenthal are the latest stars to have joined the lineup for the upcoming Hillsborough charity single. Robbie Williams, Mel C and Paloma Faith are among the musicians who will record a cover of The Hollies classic 'He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother' for a Christmas release. Guy Chambers will produce the track in support of families who lost loved ones at the Hillsborough stadium in April 1989. The recording of the track began at Metropolis Studio in Chiswick, London today (October 30), with Liverpool Fc's Kenny Dalglish, Alan Hansen and Everton Fc's Peter Reid in attendance. Frankie Goes to Hollywood frontman Holly Johnson will also (more)...

Robbie Williams, Mel C and Paloma Faith are among the musicians uniting for a charity single. Guy Chambers will produce a cover of 'He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother' by The Hollies in support of families who lost loved ones at the Hillsborough stadium in April 1989. Gerry Marsden, John Power, Jon McClure of Reverend and the Makers, Richard Hawley, Mick Jones of The Clash, the Justice Tonight band, Rebecca Ferguson, Ren Harvieu, Pete Wylie and Dave McCabe of The Zutons are also among those who have already committed to the single, with further artists expected to be announced in forthcoming days and weeks. Chambers said at Thursday's (October 25) announcement: "I'm very happy with the artists we have already, but obviously I know Sir Paul McCartney was mentioned, so if he did join our (more)...

Katy B has revealed that her second studio album will be more poppier than her debut. The singer, who is currently working on the follow-up to 2011's On A Mission with Guy Chambers and Mark Ronson, said that the new material will feature less dubstep. "It's still a dance album but where On A Mission was very much based around dubstep and house music, the new songs are less about repetitive beats," Katy B told the Daily Star. The performer also confirmed that she is working with regular producer (more)...

Guy Chambers reportedly wants to work with the eventual winner of The Voice UK. The songwriter is apparently so impressed with the new BBC show that he reached out to producers to get involved. He has previously worked with the likes of Kylie Minogue, Will Young and, most notably, Robbie Williams. "Guy is impressed with the show. It is a long way down the line yet but he likes what he sees and would be up for having some kind of role with the winner," a source told The (more)...

Katy B has revealed that she is working with Guy Chambers. The singer has enlisted the help of Chambers - whose previous collaborators include Robbie Williams and Kylie Minogue - for the follow-up to her 2011 debut On A Mission, reports Contact Music. The star - whose full name is Katy Brien - recently admitted that she hasn't had time to write new material for her next collection, but has made notes for ideas. Katy B explained: "I haven't had time to write yet. Some people do it on tour, but I always I have to be more focused (more)...

Marlon Roudette has released an acoustic performance of his new single online. 'New Age' serves as the lead single from his upcoming album Matter Fixed, which will be released in the UK on January 16. The former Mattafix frontman has worked with a number of songwriters on the record including Guy Chambers, Brian West, Paul O'Duffy and Kwame Holland. 'New Age' was released in Germany towards the end of 2011 and spent eight weeks at the (more)...

The woman Hugh Grant dined out with in Berlin, Germany this week (beg31Oct11) has dismissed rumours of a romance between the pair.

The Notting Hill star hit headlines on Tuesday when he released a statement confirming is the father of a one-month old daughter - reported to be called Jessica - following a "fleeting affair" with a woman, believed to be former model Tinglan Hong.

The evening before the news broke, Grant was spotted enjoying a night out in Berlin with German singer Elisa Schmidt, sparking gossip about a new romance.

However, Schmidt has now spoken out to clear up the rumours, claiming she met Grant through songwriter Guy Chambers and that their relationship is purely platonic.

She tells Germany's Bild publication, "I was in London with Guy to talk about my first album. In the evening we shared a meal and there got to know Hugh Grant.

"Since then we have come to understand one another very well and have become good friends. But there is definitely nothing more than friendship. Now he is in Berlin and invited me to dinner. That is all."

Grant is currently shooting a film in Germany.

Peter Andre has said that he took the disappointing chart performance of his latest single "on the chin". The singer released 'Perfect Night' in June. As part of his promotional campaign, Andre performed the track on shopping channel QVC and ITV's Daybreak. However, the Taio Cruz and Guy Chambers-written song stalled in the charts, peaking at number 48. "It didn't do that well and I took that hit on the chin and I said you know what, that's life - you win some, you lose some," Andre told Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby on ITV's This Morning. "The album was a Top 10 but the single didn't go that well, it didn't even do Top 40, and I was thinking, 'Oh, Ok'. But I've got to look at it on the other side - I've just sold out O2 Arena and I'm doing festivals (more)...

Robbie Williams has flown his mentor and friend Chris Briggs out to Los Angeles to ready his new solo album. The singer has been working on new material throughout the year and recently claimed he has some of the best stuff he has ever recorded ready to be released. Williams has now enlisted the help of industry expert Briggs to help him compile a tracklist for his ninth solo studio album, reports The Sun. Briggs is responsible for initially teaming up the Take That star with songwriter Guy Chambers, which resulted in the creation of Williams's mega hit 'Angels' in 1997. A source explained: "Rob has been really (more)...

London, Sept 6: Robbie Williams has started choosing songs for his new album, and his right-hand man Chris Briggs has flown all the way to Los Angeles to help the singer through a heap of songs recorded by him.

The 37-year-old English singer who has first been paired with hitmaker Guy Chambers by A and R legend Briggs, to create his mega-hit 'Angels', has since trusted Briggs' opinion above anyone else in the business.

"Rob has been really productive so there's lots for him and Chris to go through. Rob will take on board any guidance Chris gives," the Sun quoted a source as saying.

It is.

Matt Cardle has been described as "very powerful and emotive" by songwriter Guy Chambers. Chambers, most famous for his former partnership with Robbie Williams, has co-written two songs on the X Factor winner's debut album, which is due out later this year. "He's a cross between Coldplay, Travis and Snow Patrol," he told The Sun. "It's very accessible but it's also very powerful and emotive. He's got some really good tracks and he's a very nice guy. I've enjoyed working with him." However, Chambers (more)...

Guy Chambers has said that Robbie Williams once threatened to kill him over a saxophone solo. The 'Angels' co-writer told The Guardian that the Take That star was unhappy with his ideas for the 1998 single 'Let Me Entertain You'. Chambers said: "He can be quite tasty, can Robbie: he once pushed me up against the wall for putting a saxophone solo on 'Let Me Entertain You'. "He said, 'If you ever put a saxophone solo on one of my tracks, I will kill you'. So I put a trumpet solo on instead." Chambers noted that his worst ever gig with Williams came in Hanover in 2000. "He was pushed off stage by a fan who thought he was an impostor because he'd dyed his hair black," he explained. "We had four Sas members looking after Rob's security and none of them managed to stop this guy running on the (more)...

Peter Andre has compared Robbie Williams to Queen's Freddie Mercury after watching him perform live with Take That. Writing in his New magazine column, Andre described the group as "absolutely brilliant" and defended the 'Angels' singer over his swearing on stage. "I went to see Take That last week and my God, they were awesome. It was absolutely brilliant," he said. "I know Robbie Williams has had a bit of stick about swearing during the shows, but it didn't bother me personally. "When he sang 'Let Me Entertain You', the crowd went wild and he reminded me a bit of Freddie Mercury. He has such presence and he totally smashed it." Andre released his new single 'Perfect Night', co-written by Taio Cruz and Guy Chambers, (more)...

It would seem that Peter Andre has gone all entrepreneurial in his endeavour to sell his new single ‘Perfect Night’ by making an appearance on QVC.

He popped up on the shopping channel last night to chat about the new track to host Simon Biagi.

The single, which was written by Robbie Williams’s ex co-writer Guy Chambers, and Taio Cruz, was on offer on the show for £3.99, including postage.

Peter also performed the track which is taken from his new album ‘Accelerate’ in order to “pump up interest”.

Yesterday, Peter tweeted to his followers, “Warming up vocals in the morning is madness but I’m on in 5 mins so I better be good or I’ll be mad at myself. Wish me luck.”

He later added, “Hello lovelies. Just about to go on QVC to perform Perfect Night live.

“If your at home or work, gimme a listen.

“Thanks everyone for your comments.

Peter Andre has announced that he will promote his new single on QVC next week. The singer will appear on the shopping channel to perform 'Perfect Night', which will be available for pre-order via the network from June 27. The track, which was written by Taio Cruz and Guy Chambers, is the second to be lifted from Andre's album Accelerate. The LP peaked at number 10 in the UK album chart, while lead single 'Defender' reached number 14. Ronan Keating, Mary Byrne and John Barrowman (more)...

Mark Ronson "would enjoy" working on more movie soundtracks after his experience on "Arthur". The producer-and-musician had a great experience working on his first film, a remake of the 1981 comedy in which Russell Brand takes on the lead role originally played by Dudley Moore, and is ready to take on more big screen projects.

He told Bang Showbiz, "The original 'Arthur' is one of my favorite movies. When I moved to the U.S. when I was eight there was one station where it was like the only movie they played, pretty much on loop." He added, "I haven't got any plans to do another film at present, but it's something I would enjoy doing in the future at some point."

Mark's initial involvement in the project came when director Jason Winer wanted to use one of his old tracks in the film, and everything spiraled from there...

The Wanted have revealed that they are hoping to work with Bruno Mars on their next album. The group, who are currently recording the follow-up to their chart-topping debut set, said that they are hoping to work with the 'Grenade' star and a number of other international songwriters for their second record. Asked who they were working with on the upcoming LP, Max George told Digital Spy: "Once again we're working with Steve Mac, who wrote 'All Time Low' - he's an amazing songwriter. We'd like to see Guy Chambers again, and we're booked to write with all sorts of people from around the world. (more)...

Simon Cowell has reportedly hired one of Robbie Williams's mentors to work with Matt Cardle. The Sun claims that Cowell has called on Chris Briggs to join the X Factor winner's A&R team, who will work on his debut album. Briggs is credited with introducing songwriting partners Williams and Guy Chambers. "Chris was poached by Sony from his former label Emi over the summer," a source said. "It was a big-money deal but Chris is commonly regarded as one of the most gifted individuals in the music business. "Simon's decision to team him with Matt is very canny indeed." (more)...

Simon Cowell has managed to convince the man often credited with Robbie Williams’ success to work with his newest star, Matt Cardle.

The A&R guru has recently moved from Emi to Sony and the X Factor boss has asked him to take show winner Cardle under his wing and help launch his music career both in the UK and the States.

Briggs is said to be responsible for bringing together Take That’s Williams with songwriter Guy Chambers, with whom the singer wrote some of his most successful songs.

“It was a big-money deal but Chris is commonly regarded as one of the most gifted individuals in the music business,” a source told The Sun.

“Simon [Cowell's] decision to team him with Matt is very canny indeed.”

Matt scored his third week at number one on Sunday with his debut single ‘When We Collide’. He scored both the Christmas number...

Peter Andre has revealed details of a number of guest collaborators on his upcoming seventh studio album. In a post on his official website, Andre confirmed the involvement of Taio Cruz, Labrinth and long-time Robbie Williams songwriter Guy Chambers. Andre said: "Accelerate has been an amazing experience and journey for me. I feel very fortunate to be in a position where I can work with some of the best songwriters, producers and artists dominating the charts and music scene at the moment. "I can't wait to see what my fans think of the album and to perform the album on my national (more)...

Goldie's band, which he has formed for a new TV show, performed for Prince Harry at Buckingham Palace last night. Filmed for new BBC Two series Goldie's Band: By Royal Appointment, the drum 'n' bass star and Strictly contestant lead a group of 12 musicians at the special concert yesterday. The band have been selected from around the UK and performed their own works, which they have developed with Goldie and industry insiders Guy Chambers, Soweto Kinch and Cerys Matthews. "It's been awesome watching the growth and development of these talented young musicians who have grabbed this (more)...

X Factor hopeful John Adeleye has previously won a Mobo award and been signed to a record label. The 29-year-old singer, who is being mentored by Louis Walsh on this year's show, used to perform under the name J'Nay and has toured with Jamelia. He also bagged the Mobo for Unsung Artist of the Year in 2003. According to The Sun, Adeleye was working for the Universal-Island label and penned tracks with Lisa Stansfield and Guy Chambers during his (more)...

Dutch trance producer and Adam Young turned mutual fandom into a feel-good electro tune.

By Akshay Bhansali

Armin van Buuren

Photo: MTV News

Thanks to a string of high-profile collaborations, house music has been welcomed with open arms into the mainstream. And judging by his latest album, Mirage, it seems like trance icon Armin van Buuren doesn't want to be left out of the inter-genre group hug.

Nestled among tracks featuring the likes of Guy Chambers (a veteran writer who's worked with Kylie Minogue, Tokio Hotel and Robbie Williams) and Nadia Ali is a warm, stripped-down, feel-good electro tune called "Youtopia," featuring Owl City's Adam Young.

Young sings, "I can feel you/ In the rising tide/ Can you feel me/ By the fireside?/ For the moonlight/ Through the cherry trees/ Open the roof and take in the view/ 'Cause you're my sweetest dream come true."

Van Buuren adds an edge...

'Remember Love,' van Buuren's collaboration with Paul van Dyk and Paul Oakenfold, may debut at New York's Electric Zoo festival this weekend.

By Akshay Bhansali

Armin Van Buuren

Photo: MTV News

Last week, MTV News had a chance to catch up with trance music maestro Armin van Buuren for a Skype chat in which he shared details on his two-year-long mammoth recording project, a 21-track disc titled Mirage, available for download September 10. Indeed, the project marks van Buuren's most ambitious recording endeavor thus far: He worked with veteran songwriter Guy Chambers, Owl City's Adam Young, New York native Nadia Ali (with whom he's had a past hit, "Who Is Watching," off his Shivers album), and rising stars the sisters of Nervo, who wrote David Guetta's hit "When Love Takes Over," featuring Kelly Rowland.

And with his album due in less than 10 days, the Dutch star says fans attending...