Robbie 'the fat one from Take That' Williams writes song called 'No One Likes A Fat Pop Star'

Robbie Williams is to release a new album called Swing Both Ways (Getty Images)

Robbie Williams is getting back into the swing of things with a new album mixing cover versions of classics and his own songs.

Swing Both Ways, the follow-up to his 2001 big band LP Swing When You're Winning, features duets with stars including Lily Allen and Michael Buble.

It also sees him team up again with songwriter Guy Chambers to write six new songs including a track called "No One Likes A Fat Pop Star".

Williams, who is known for his self-deprecating sense of humour, was once described by Oasis star Noel Gallagher as "the fat dancer from Take That".

The Rock DJ singer said: "First of all, I wanted to do a swing album because I wanted to do a swing album. I always knew I'd do another and I think now is the perfect time to do it.

"I'm enjoying showbiz and I'm enjoying my life and my understanding of where I am now is that there needs to be an event every time I bring out a record. The album this time is a definite ode and a loving glance towards a period on the planet that I was never invited to 'coz I wasn't there ... I wanted to be, which I feel still very strongly linked to.

"Going in I planned it to be very similar to the last one, and then I realised that's actually not what I wanted.

"It's different - it's not all covers. I had some songs that I wanted the world to hear and check out and maybe become part of the fabric of their lives, if I'm lucky enough, that I've had a hand in writing. So it's very, very similar to the last one, and very different - and hopefully I'm off to romance the world."

The album, released on 18 November, sees him duet with Allen on "Dream A Little Dream".

She said: "'Dream A Little Dream' is one of my favourite songs of all time so I didn't hesitate when Robbie asked me if I'd like to duet with him on it. I was a bit nervous when we recorded it, especially when I asked him what he wanted me to do and he said something like 'just be you'. But I'm really happy with it and think we do justice to a classic song."

PA