Robbie Williams Is 'Happier And More Satisfied,' Shares What Keeps Him Busy

Robbie Williams is opening up about his lockdown hobby and his upcoming projects.

The singer, 48, revealed in a new interview with The Sunday Times that he's found solace in art after spending years battling mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, and that he's given up "cocaine and strippers" for "coloring in."

"It used to be cocaine and strippers - now it's coloring in. I've done the same thing now for 30 years - album, promo, tour ... (but art) has led me to be a different person," Williams shared.

The former Take That singer explained that painting has helped him calm his inner monologue, which he dubbed "Radio Rob," and has given him peace.

"I would definitely say I spend a lot of time not having to deal with Radio Rob. It's safer for me to be out here doing this than it is being in there," he said, pointing to his head.

"I don't think I spend any time in the real world. But I will say this: I am happier and more satisfied than I've ever been," he added.

Williams and his creative partner Ed Godrich's artworks are currently on display at Sotheby's in central London. One of their black and white paintings, titled "Beverly," was sold last month for £40,000 ($49,000) to a private foundation in Central America, The Guardian reported.

While others his age slow down, Williams said he has "bigger plans" for himself and still has a lot of things that he wants to accomplish.

"I want to do interiors, I want to build a hotel. That being said, I also have 60 songs that I’ve written for the next couple of albums [including a dance record]. So it’s not like I’m putting music to the side," he told The Times.

Williams has a busy year ahead. In addition to painting, the English singer is set to perform at his stadium show next month in his hometown of Stoke-on-Trent.

His biopic "Better Man," helmed by "The Greatest Showman" director Michael Gracey, is also in the works.

Williams will be playing the older version of himself in the movie, while British actor Jonno Davies, known for his role as Alex DeLarge in the stage production of "A Clockwork Orange," will play the younger version.

"I play me for some of the film and [Davies] plays me for some of the film and also mouths me mouthing the script," Williams said.

However, Williams said he doesn't want to be away from his wife, Ayda Field, and their four children — Theodora, 9, Charlton, 7, Coco, 3, and Beau, 2 — so they will use a CGI trick for his character.

Williams' biopic was due to begin filming in Melbourne, Australia, earlier this year. It will be distributed in Australia and New Zealand by Roadshow Films in a deal inked with Rocket Science.

"I’m so excited I am making this movie in Victoria with my friend Michael Gracey," Williams said of his biopic in December 2021, Deadline reported.