Robbie dumps childhood sweetheart

A childhood sweetheart of Robbie Williams is claiming that he persuaded her to start a new life in California with him - and then dumped her after five days.

Rachel Gilson, described in the singer's autobiography as his "one and only true love", gave up her boyfriend in favour of Robbie. However, he soon decided that the relationship wouldn't work and asked her to leave.

"We are two people who should be together, but we just can't work it out," Rachel told the Sunday Mirror. "It is heartbreaking, but Rob and I have been here before. I did go to America but now I'm back here. What can I say? I don't think we're ever going to get married. Yes, it would be the best story ever, but I don't think it's ever going to happen.

"I could tell you so much more about those five days - but I just can't. It's between Rob and me. I have my boyfriend Martin to think about and I would never do anything to hurt him.

"We know we should be together, but unfortunately Rob's just this megastar - and that just keeps getting in the way. But you know what, even if he was just a painter and decorator from Stoke it would be the same."