Photo: WENN
Robbie Williams admits he did not want Take That to be so successful when they reformed in 2006 without him.
Williams, who declined an offer to re-join the band's other four members six years ago, says he was happy the others reunited, but wished they had been less popular.
He said: "When the boys first got together, I was pretty much, 'Oh, right, OK…'- then it was, 'They've sold 275,000 tickets... they've done what?!'"
The 38-year-old spoke of his shock at the frenzied reaction the reformation received, going on to say he had no idea how much the band were valued by fans.
"'I was gobsmacked. Gobsmacked in all manner of everything. Sort of, 'Wow, we meant that much to people, that's great. They mean that much to people? S**t!'"
Take That perform at the Olympic closing ceremony- minus Robbie Williams
The 'Candy' singer described how there was a 'cut off' point to the Take That's comeback success that turned his feelings of happiness to jealousy.
He added: "'I think it was confusion more than anything. [I was] pleased for the boys - you know not too pleased that I wanted them to take over the joint.
''It was like, you know, they can have a certain level. Just don't smash the living daylights out of it, like they did.''
The last few weeks have seen Williams experience his greatest solo success of recent years with release of 'Candy', and his new album 'Take the Crown'.
But the star also recently claimed he doesn't believe he will leave any lasting legacy on the history of British pop music.
Speaking to James Corden, he said: "I think I stand somewhere just above Steps and slightly below Westlife. Not far away from there."
See the viseo for Robbie Williams' forthcoming single 'Different' below.
Photos: Robbie Williams turns on Oxford Street's 2012 Christmas lights
