Robbie Williams has reiterated that One Direction are almost like 'brothers' to him.

The British singer has spoken about the 'Kiss You' group in the past and he mentioned how he sees part of his former self in the young group.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Williams said that he likes to keep tabs on the progress of the boyband after performing with them on the X Factor in 2010.

The 'Take The Crown' man added that he is also envious of Harry Styles' alleged romantic deviances. When asked if he still thinks of them like 'showbiz brothers', Williams replied:

"They are. I sang 'She’s The One' with them on The X Factor, so I've seen various stages of their growth. And I've been a member of One Direction, as it were. So I like seeing how they’re doing. Following Harry and his many romances and being slightly envious. Checking out their new tattoos and me showing them my new tattoos. I’m in the One Direction bad tattoo club. I have bad tattoos – so do they."