Robbie Williams takes the crown with fourteenth chart topping single 'Candy'

Robbie Williams has reached Number 1 with "Candy" (PA)

Robbie Williams is celebrating his first solo UK number one hit for eight years after "Candy" topped the official singles chart.

It is the 14th number one of his career - including Take That - meaning he has drawn level with bandmate Gary Barlow, who co-wrote the song.

Some 137,000 copies of Candy were sold this week according to the Official Charts Company, making it the fastest-selling single by a male artist this year.

The track is from his new album Take the Crown, which is released tomorrow.

Williams told OfficialCharts.com: "Number one... yeah! So chuffed. Really really happy that 'Candy' reached the top spot.

"Good work Team Williams and thanks to everyone who got it there. I'm so excited about this album and this is a great start."

The singer became a father in September after wife Ayda gave birth to their first child Theodora Rose.

Last week's chart topper Labrinth featuring Emeli Sande dropped to number two with "Beneath Your Beautiful".

In addition to Williams, the only other new entry in the top 20 was Wiley featuring Skepta, JME and Ms D with Can You Hear Me (Ayayaya).

Swedish House Mafia are still riding high with their anthem "Don't You Worry Child" at number four, while Adele climbs two places to number five with James Bond theme "Skyfall".

Meanwhile Scottish DJ, songwriter and producer Calvin Harris secured his second number one with 18 Months, keeping Kylie Mingoue's "The Abbey Road Sessions" in second place.

Emeli Sande dropped one spot to number three with "Our Version of Events", while "Some Nights" by Fun rose from 33 to four.

Last week's number one, Taylor Swift, fell to number five with her fourth LP "Red".

PA