Robbie Williams has long been a household name, and his recent 2023 Netflix documentary has brought him a renewed fanbase by offering an unfiltered look at his personal struggles and triumphs. The four-part series, which debuted on November 8, provides viewers with rare insights into the life of the Take That icon beyond the public persona. Among the most compelling moments in the series are revelations from his wife, Ayda Field, who shared intimate details about a pivotal phone call that once ended their relationship.
Williams, 51, and Ayda, who have been married since 2010 and are parents to four children, have navigated numerous challenges together, including his battles with addiction. Ayda recounted a harrowing morning before his 33rd birthday when Robbie called her and admitted that his team had sent him to rehab. Visibly emotional as she reflected on that time, Ayda said: “It was my entry into addiction. You wouldn’t notice his personality change but all of a sudden he would throw up watching TV.” These stark admissions offer a glimpse into the darker side of fame that few have witnessed, reported by the Daily Record.
The documentary also captures a moment of painful honesty when Robbie confessed his deep-seated despair during one of those difficult periods. Ayda recalled his heartbreaking words: “There was a sense of… It would be better if I passed away, I didn’t care and it would be alright,” he said. “For me to change I’d need to be dying, die or stop what you’re doing.” This raw confession underscores the intensity of his struggle and the emotional toll that addiction took on him and his loved ones.
Further adding to the narrative, Ayda shared another revealing phone call. “I remember it was 2 am and I called him and I was like, ‘I am just getting on the highway’ and he’s like, ‘Are you driving? Call me when you get home.’ And he is like, ‘I can’t be in a relationship, I have to get better and I can’t be with you. I have to break up with you.” Her voice softened as she recalled the heartbreak: “And, telling viewers she felt ‘crestfallen’ by Robbie’s problems, she added: “And it was like, I understood it because I saw that he was unwell and I remember thinking, ‘I just want you to get better.’ He was my soulmate and then he was gone.” Despite this painful separation, the couple eventually reconciled and now live together in LA with their four children—Teddy, 12, Charlie, 10, Coco, six, and Beau, five.
Williams himself reflected on revisiting some of these painful memories during the series. “It was like watching a crash you were involved in, but in slo-mo. It was like enduring your mental illness at a very, very slow pace, over a very, very long time. And it’s a niche thing to experience, you know. There aren’t many support groups for it.”
In the wake of Liam Payne’s tragic death last year, Robbie also shared heartfelt condolences, describing the late star as a “handsome, talented boy” and noting the similarities in their struggles. This candid portrayal of vulnerability and resilience has resonated with viewers worldwide.
