Pop icon Robbie Williams has revealed that he was recently diagnosed with scurvy, a condition more commonly associated with long-lost seafarers than modern-day celebrities. In a candid new interview with The Mirror, the 51-year-old singer shared that the diagnosis came at a time when he was already battling a wave of mental health challenges, marking one of the more difficult periods of his life in recent memory.
“The year started with some ill mental health,” Williams admitted, speaking with vulnerability. “I haven’t had that for a very, very long time.” For the star, known as much for his cheeky charm as his chart-topping hits, it was a jarring return to familiar but unwelcome territory: sadness, anxiety, and depression.
Williams, who first rose to fame as a member of the boy band Take That before launching a wildly successful solo career, said he had been diagnosed with depression in his twenties. After years of personal growth, therapy, and success, he believed that part of his life was behind him.
“I thought I was at the other end of the arc,” he said. “So for it to return was just confusing.”
But rather than brush off the experience or try to power through it silently, Williams chose to dig deeper. As he began examining what might be causing the shift in his mood and energy levels, he turned a critical eye toward his diet and daily habits. That’s when the surprising diagnosis came into play.
“I’d stopped eating properly,” he explained. “I wasn’t getting nutrients.” Eventually, medical tests revealed that the pop star was suffering from scurvy—an affliction so rarely seen in the developed world today that it almost sounds fictional.
“Scurvy,” Williams said, half-laughing at the absurdity of it. “A 17th-century pirate disease.”
Yet the diagnosis was very real. Scurvy is caused by a severe vitamin C deficiency and typically develops over several months of inadequate nutrition. Though the disease is rare in the UK and other industrialized nations—thanks to access to fresh produce and fortified foods—it can still appear in individuals who eat poorly or restrict their diets, often unintentionally. Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, bruising, joint pain, and anemia. Left untreated, scurvy can become life-threatening.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, scurvy was once a common killer among sailors on long voyages without access to fruits or vegetables. Today, however, it’s most often seen in cases of malnourishment or extreme dietary imbalance.
For Williams, who described his eating habits at the time as nearly nonexistent, the link between his physical and mental health became clear. The lack of nutrients was affecting both his body and his brain, deepening his depressive symptoms and leaving him in a downward spiral. But once the root cause was identified, change became possible.
He began adjusting his diet, focusing on reintroducing essential vitamins and minerals—particularly vitamin C—into his meals. The transformation, both physical and emotional, was significant.
“My health became manageable again,” he said. “The most important thing is for yourself to be okay.”
Williams’ openness about his struggles adds to a long-standing dialogue he’s had with fans about mental health. Over the years, he has spoken frankly about addiction, anxiety, and the pressures of fame. His honesty has helped destigmatize these conversations, especially among men in the public eye.
Now, with his health on the mend, Williams is preparing for a busy year. He’s gearing up to launch a major tour across the UK, Ireland, and mainland Europe, starting in May and running through the summer. The tour is expected to be a celebration of his decades-long career, featuring classics from his solo catalog and possibly new material inspired by his recent introspections.
The singer also continues to receive acclaim for his recent creative endeavors outside of music. A Better Man, a biographical musical drama based on his life, was released in 2023 and garnered critical praise—not just for its storytelling but for its visual artistry. The film was even nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Visual Effects category, marking a new chapter in Williams’ multifaceted career.
Yet it’s this latest revelation about his physical and mental health that may leave the most lasting impression. Scurvy might be an unusual diagnosis for a modern pop star, but for Williams, it served as a wake-up call—a stark reminder of the delicate connection between physical well-being and emotional stability.
His story is also a subtle but powerful commentary on the pressures that can affect even the most successful public figures. Despite decades of fame, awards, sold-out tours, and chart-topping hits, Williams is still human. Like many others, he’s vulnerable to the invisible struggles that don’t make the headlines—anxiety, depression, dietary issues, burnout. His willingness to share those struggles, instead of hiding behind a polished celebrity image, is what endears him to fans old and new.
He doesn’t shy away from the contradictions. A man known for electrifying performances and witty banter is also someone who, in his own words, has to fight to stay afloat at times. That duality—the joy and the struggle—is something his audience understands.
As Williams puts the pieces back together, his message is clear: health, both mental and physical, must come first. Fame doesn’t shield you from hardship, and sometimes even the most unexpected diagnoses can offer clarity.
With new music, a hit film, and an upcoming tour, Williams is stepping back into the spotlight—but this time, with a deeper understanding of himself.
And if there’s one takeaway from his journey so far, it’s this: even pirates—and pop stars—need their vitamin C.
