Robbie Williams is to play his first gig  for three years it was announced today.

The singer will be a headline act at the BBC’s Electric Proms next month and will preview songs from his new album, Reality Killed The Video Star.

Robbie, 35, who just weeks ago talked about how his crippling stage fright meant he had no plans to tour, will be joined by a string section, horns and a full band for the show at the Roundhouse.

The 20 October gig is his first in the UK since his Close Encounters tour of 2006 and will be broadcast on Radio 1.

Dame Shirley Bassey will also perform at the Proms. Her concert, the only UK live show this year, will mark her half-century in showbusiness.

She will play at the Roundhouse on 23 October and will be joined by the BBC Concert Orchestra for a show to be aired on Radio 2.

Festival director Lorna Clarke said: ‘I cannot think of a better opening artist for this year’s event than Robbie Williams.’

The five-night Electric Proms season also features Smokey Robinson, Dizzee Rascal and Doves.