Williams set for comeback gigs

Robbie Williams is reportedly hoping to entertain fans by staging a residency of live shows in London - after abandoning plans to rejoin Take That.

Williams announced in March he was ready to reunite with the British boy band - almost 15 years after he quit to pursue a solo career - but his former bandmate Gary Barlow remained adamant the group was happy as a four-piece.

Now Williams has decided to return to the spotlight with ten dates at the British capital's O2 arena, before embarking on a string of concerts around the country.

And he's hoping the shows will trump Take That's 'Circus' tour, which kicks off in June.

A source told the News of the World: "He wants to blow Take That out of the water with his comeback tour.

"It's going to be huge. He wants these gigs to help re-establish himself as the King of Pop. Robbie has been itching to get back in front of a live audience since he started writing his new album two years ago.

"He doesn't want to be outdone by Take That's 'Circus' tour, so he's planning to put on a super show to win back all the fans he's lost. The O2 is the only venue big enough for Robbie to return with a new tour and they're desperate to get him."

Take That has not performed as a five-piece since the 'Angels' hitmaker quit in 1995. The four other members - Barlow, Jason Orange, Mark Owen, and Howard Donald - disbanded the group in 1996, but reformed in 2006.