Robbie Williams unveils comeback single

(Getty)

Robbie Williams unveiled his long-awaited comeback single to fans today, warning them to prepare for "something cosmic".

Bodies was played on radio stations around the UK from 8am but the pop star delivered it in person to The Chris Moyles Show on BBC Radio 1.

After two and a half years away from the charts, Williams announced earlier this month that he planned to release a new single and album.

The Stoke-on-Trent singer told Radio 1 listeners to be prepared for "something cosmic to happen" when the track was played.

"It's a grower, man," he joked. "No it's instant. I think it's instant, otherwise it's a two-player.

"Yeah I'm really good at promotion."

Bodies will be available for download on October 11 and in the shops a day later, with his album Reality Killed The Video Star out on November 9.

Williams, 35, has not released a single since She's Madonna in March 2007 or an album since Rudebox in October 2006.

The new single and album were both produced by Trevor Horn, the legendary producer who in his younger days was one half of electro-pop duo The Buggles.

The Buggles wrote and recorded number one hit Video Killed The Radio Star - the first song ever played on MTV - and the inspiration for the title of Williams' new album.

Since leaving Take That in 1996, Williams has enjoyed huge success as a solo artist: he has had six number one singles, every one of his UK studio albums has reached number one in the charts and he has sold a total of 55 million records around the world.