Chart topper or Haribo? Robbie Williams laughs off 'children's sweets advert' criticism of new single 'Candy'

Robbie Williams has reached Number 1 with "Candy" (PA)

New dad Robbie Williams tonight laughed off claims his latest number one hit sounded like a television advert for children's sweets.

The singer is celebrating his first solo UK number one hit for eight years after "Candy" topped the official singles chart.

It is the 14th number one of his career - including Take That - meaning he has drawn level with bandmate Gary Barlow, who co-wrote the song.

The singer, who became a father in September after wife Ayda gave birth to their first child Theodora Rose, said he was not keeping count.

He said: "I'm like a footballer who doesn't know how many he's scored."

Speaking backstage in Oxford Street, central London, where he turned on the Christmas lights, Williams laughed off claims his song sounds similar to a prominent television advert for Haribo sweets.

He said: "The Haribo advert sounds like ring-a-ring of roses so it does sound like the Haribo advert, yes you're right, but they can't sue me because they also sound like a nursery rhyme from a couple of centuries ago.

"It was pointed out to me via YouTube when I read the comments and I was like 'oh yeah, it does doesn't it?' but I think every song has been written now and everything sounds similar."

Williams said his daughter's arrival meant there would "more love" and "nativity-ness" this Christmas.

He said: "It feels wonderful. I was away for a few days and I hadn't seen her and I walked through the door and the first thing I wanted to do was pick her up and put her in my arms.

"It felt safe and it felt real and she seems to be a wonderful person and I'm just trying to cultivate happiness and manners and I'm looking forward to seeing her grow."

PA