'Sad Robbie has to pop pills just to get through the day'

Robbie William's ex-girlfriend spoke out about his tormented mental state just two days ago.

American model Lisa D'Amato, who dated Robbie for two months, revealed that the chain-smoking star relied on anti-depressants to get him through the day.

And she said the troubled popstar's demons even haunted him as he slept.

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The 26-year-old told the News of the World: "He'd shake uncontrollably - looking like a frightened child. He's so tormented.

"When he started shaking I would gently lift him into my arms and rub his arms and legs until he stopped.

"He didn't wake up, but it seemed to calm him down."

Lisa, who had no idea how famous Robbie was when she met him at a party in LA in November, said he refused to go out and was obsessed with checking his chart position and what was written about him on the internet.

He told her he hated performing and was worried about returning to Europe to complete his Close Encounters tour.

She said: "It was clear he was struggling with his mind. He doesn't need drink, but he needs anti-depressants to get him through the day. A lot of the time he seemed on edge.

"He would light up a cigarette then put it out and light another straight away."

Miss D'Amato, a finalist on America's Next Top Model, said Robbie dumped her when he went on tour.