Robbie Williams has spoken for the first time about his addiction to drugs, describing the situation at one stage as “damn serious”.

In an interview with The Sun, the former Take That star explained that he checked himself into rehab in 2007 because he feared he might die.

"Robbie Williams does not go into rehab just if his life gets a bit out of control. It was damn serious,” he said.

“Death had to knock on my door to help me with my decision."

Williams, who battled a three-year addiction to prescription drugs, admitted that he had a “self-destructive character”, but said it didn't prevent him from being happy.

In the candid interview, the singer also credited his girlfriend Ayda Field with helping his recovery.

"She didn't try to change me and, just like that, she changed me for the better,” he said.

"I'm in love with someone who returns this love as strongly. I've never experienced that. That's what makes me so careful in this relationship. I don't want to hurt Ayda."

Williams is currently preparing to make his pop comeback with new album Reality Killed The Video Star.