Robbie Williams has split with his long term girlfriend in order to concentrate on recording his new album, according to reports.

The former Take That star, who now lives in Los Angeles, began dating Ayda Field 14 months ago.

But friends have of the singer have now said the romance has ended, leaving Williams “absolutely gutted”.

"He thought Ayda was his soulmate, and the most beautiful woman he has ever met, so he was desperate for it to work,” a friend told the Mirror newspaper.

"Unfortunately, the timing was not right for them, and after being on-off for a while they've finally decided to call it quits.

"They are still very good friends though and she was the only girlfriend his close-knit circle in LA actually accepted and genuinely liked.”

Meanwhile, Williams new album is said to be a return to his early solo work.

(by Jason Gregory)