More bad news for Robbie Williams fans. Already regarded as a recluse by his army of British followers after taking up residence in LA, the singer has announced there will be no tour “any time soon” and there may be no new album in 2008.

On his blog, which has been picked up by British media outlets, the former Take That singer says the last tour “nearly killed me” and that he’s enjoying life outside the public eye more and more.

“I’m sure as soon as I get bored I’ll be back,” writes the 33-year-old, whose songs include “Lazy Days” and “Angels”. “But right now there’s a soy vanilla latte and mince pie waiting for me in the kitchen.”

He also confesses to putting on weight over the Christmas period and likens his appearance to Brian Blessed, the heavily bearded, fairly portly English actor.

All of this comes at a time when the new owners of Williams’ record label, EMI, are warning their artists that they could be dropped if they don’t work hard enough for the company.