Robbie Williams has revealed how being snubbed by Radio 1, who refused to play his solo singles in 2012, came as a huge blow and left the singer 'disappointed'.

Williams' chart topping single 'Candy' was played by Radio 2 when it was released in November last year, with R1 breakfast show host Nick Grimshaw telling Five News at the time that Robbie Williams was no longer relevant to listeners in the same way as One Direction are. Now, in an interview with Radio 4's Mastertapes show, he claims that the snub hurt his ambition and potentially, his career.

"I'm very ambitious. So when Radio 1 goes and is taken away from you, a huge bit of your arsenal goes. It's your main oxygen to get your stuff out there," he told the show, adding that he was jealous of One Direction hearthrob Harry Styles.

"He's talented, he's good looking. He could have it away. And I'll be sat here saying 'damn him,'" he added.

Robbie Williams believes Paul McCartney is jealous of the likes of Justin Timberlake

Williams also stated that every artist had to deal with jealousy over younger, more relevant stars, claiming that even music legends were envious of the success and attention enjoyed by the next generation.

"Everybody who's anybody has been competitive and over-sensitive and a bit silly," he continued. "Look at Paul McCartney, look at Elton John. They're jealous of Justin Timberlake. I'm sure they were jealous of me when I was in my imperial phase."