Robbie Williams has announced he has been diagnosed with autism, saying it "explains so much" after years of struggling in the public eye. The singer, 52, discussed his diagnosis during a Q&A session in London on August 14.
He told the audience: "I have ADHD, and I just found out I have a bit of autism as well, which I actually f***ing love because it explains so much. It is my get-out-of-jail-free card now, and all the weird s**t I do, I just say, 'Sorry, I'm autistic'."
Other celebrities with autism
The former Take That star is among many celebrities who have spoken publicly about their diagnosis, including tech billionaire Elon Musk and Hollywood actor Anthony Hopkins.
Christine McGuinness was 33 when she received her autism diagnosis in 2021. The TV personality, 38, said it explained a lot, recalling how she struggled to keep her focus in school and got in trouble for throwing chairs. She told the BBC: "I was a very confused, mixed-up little teenager not really knowing where I fitted in." Sensory issues meant she would only eat beige foods, while her hypersensitivity to sound and smell makes it difficult for her to be in busy or noisy environments.
Diagnoses later in life
In 2013, Britain's Got Talent winner Susan Boyle announced she had been diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, a form of autism. The singer, 65, said she spent years believing she suffered slight brain damage at birth. Despite her diagnosis, Susan said it neither defines nor confines her. "It will not make any difference to my life. It's just a condition that I have to live with and work through," she said in an interview with The Observer, adding that she hoped her diagnosis would encourage people to show more understanding towards her and her condition.
Coronation Street star Shelley King didn't receive an official autism diagnosis until she was 67. Prior to her diagnosis, she never understood why last-minute script changes and unexplained plot twists were so difficult for her, but she now feels she has a better understanding of herself. Speaking on Good Morning Britain, the Yasmeen Nazir star said last-minute script changes would "upset" her if she couldn't see the logic in them. Paying tribute to her castmates for their support, she added: "I used to get very upset and agitated about changes. Everybody understands why now and understands why I used to go to the script editors. Now I’ve been diagnosed, they know I need a plan, so they help me with that."
Diagnosed in childhood
Emmerdale star Bradley Riches was diagnosed with autism aged nine and remained non-verbal until the age of 10. During an appearance on Loose Women last year, the Heartstopper actor opened up about his childhood, explaining: "So, with me, for example, especially with my childhood, I didn't use words for formal communication until I was 10." When asked about his communication methods, the 24-year-old said he relied on "sound, movement" and communication cards. Asked whether drama lessons had been beneficial, the Lewis Barton star admitted that acting "saved" him.
