Robbie Williams' 'X Factor's sympathy

Thursday, 12 November 2009

Robbie Williams said he knows "how it must feel" to be John and Edward.

The 'You Know Me' singer - who rose to fame aged 16 as a member of Boyband Take That - said he sympathises with the tuneless 'X Factor' finalists, who have found themselves at the centre of a hate campaign after their controversial appearances on the ITV reality show.

Robbie said: "I love them to bits and I just want to support them because I know how it must feel inside when everyone's going, 'We hate you, We hate you' ".

Robbie bitterly left Take That in 1995 and has since battled to come to terms with his fame and been admitted to rehab for drug abuse twice.

The Irish twins have suffered further backlash this week after judge Simon Cowell - who previously branded them "vile" - opted to save them over 18-year-old singer Lucie Jones, leading to her exit from the competition last Sunday (08.11.09).

Over 3,000 people have since complained to ITV about the decision.

Robbie said he is, however, a big fan of the show and has been voting for John and Edward.

When asked if he had seen their rendition of his track 'Rock DJ', he replied: "I did but I preferred their version of 'Ghostbusters'.

"I do love the lads, I find them very entertaining. I voted for them three times. They've just turned 18 and it feels like the whole world hates them and basically they're just two good kids and it's not their fault they're there."