...as Robbie uses cleansing gel after glad-handing the great unwashed!
AS they clambered to the front for a handshake or high-five, it was clear every member of the adoring crowd wanted a piece of Robbie Williams.
But the feeling was far from mutual at his New Year’s Eve concert, with the singer grasping antibacterial gel as soon as he got back on stage.
The former Take That singer, 42, had jumped into the crowd for a rendition of Auld Lang Syne during a small Westminster gig, televised for BBC 1.
But the cameras showed the star – known for his cheeky sense of humour – grimacing and squirting a large amount of sanitiser in his hands immediately on his return to the stage. Rock DJ singer Williams performed greatest hits and new tracks from his number one album Heavy Entertainment Show, as well as a tribute cover of the late George Michael’s Freedom.
While the the antibacterial gel sparked much online debate, other viewers were shocked by his scantilyclad dancers. For one song, they wore risque green and red latex underwear, prompting some commentators to call the BBC sexist. The first part of Williams’ gig, which started at 11.25pm, was watched by 6million viewers, while the post-midnight instalment attracted 6.7million.
Some 11.6million tuned in to watch the New Year’s Eve Fireworks in London on BBC One – compared to 12.5million in 2015. The display was accompanied by music from George Michael and David Bowie and drew tens of thousands to the Thames.
Meanwhile the 12-minute spectacle included a recording of mayor Sadiq Khan announcing ‘London is open’ and the late comedian Ronnie Corbett saying ‘It’s goodnight from me’.