Robbie Williams, the iconic former member of Take That, has openly discussed his struggles with mental health, revealing that he experiences what he describes as “inside Tourette’s.” The 51-year-old singer shared these personal insights during an appearance on the podcast, I’m ADHD! No You’re Not, explaining his unique interpretation of the neurological condition and his mastery of masking its symptoms.

Williams clarified his experience, stating, “I’ve just realised that I have Tourette’s, but they don’t come out. I was just walking down the road the other day and I realised that these intrusive thoughts are ‘inside Tourette’s’.” This personal definition contrasts with the NHS description of Tourette syndrome, which typically involves sudden, repetitive sounds or movements, known as tics, often triggered by stress, excitement, or tiredness. Other prominent figures like Lewis Capaldi and Billie Eilish have also spoken about living with the condition.

Beyond his “inside Tourette’s” revelation, Williams delved into his complex relationship with touring and live performances. Despite kicking off a tour in May, including a performance at Murrayfield Stadium, he confessed to feeling “terrified” rather than excited. He admitted to being an “Olympian at masking,” projecting an image of bravado, pompousness, and smugness through grand gestures, which have effectively served his career. However, he revealed that internally, he feels the complete opposite most of the time.

The singer noted a significant improvement in his mental state from the age of 45 onwards, expressing genuine excitement for his current tour shows – a stark contrast to his past feelings. Williams candidly spoke about experiencing PTSD related to performances, stemming from his Take That years and subsequent solo career. He recalled that reaching the pinnacle of success “didn’t fix me. In fact, it made things worse inside me,” and that these past experiences continue to trigger him.

Williams credited his wife, Ayda Field Williams, for a pivotal shift in his perspective on performing live. He described a particular moment that brought about a profound sense of gratitude for his career, his opportunities, and the experiences it affords him. This newfound appreciation, coupled with the realization that he might not always have the chance to perform in stadiums due to factors like waning popularity or mortality, helped change his perception. Despite the adoration of 80,000 people, he emphasized that such external validation never fundamentally altered his self-perception.