Robbie Williams' mum says his decision to go into rehab is the best birthday present he could give himself.

On his 33rd birthday, the former Take That star checked himself into rehab in the US - believed to be the exclusive Meadows clinic in Arizona with its bootcamp-style 12-step programme - in a bid to beat his prescription drug addiction.

Mum Jan said: "I have known about Robbie's problems for some time and it has been very worrying. But from a mother's point of view, going into rehab is the best birthday gift he could have given himself."

Robbie's mum - herself a drug counsellor - added: "I shall be giving him loads and loads of love as always. I shall be going across at some stage."

The star has constantly battled with his demons, entering rehab for addiction to drink and drugs after splitting from boyband Take That.

His career has been a huge success - he's won several Brits and claimed the title of best-selling act of the 21st century as well as racking up an estimated £100 million fortune.

But, since parting with co-songwriter Guy Chambers, the singer's musical reputation has taken a battering and his profile has slipped while Take That have reformed to huge success, securing number ones in both the album and singles chart.

Source: Channel4