I was Robbie Williams' first love says Stoke-On-Trent stunner

Aug 8 2010 by Ben Goldby, Sunday Mercury

POP superstar Robbie Williams was set to tie the knot on a paradise isle in California last night – but there is still one Midland ex-love close to his heart.

The ex-Take That singer and new bride Ayda Field were due to wed in a private ceremony witnessed by close friends and family, including best man Jonathan Wilkes.

Yet before they met Robbie, 36, admitted he was still in love with his first girlfriend Rachael Gilson.

The pair dated when they were both teens growing up in Stoke-on-Trent – leading some to say the pretty brunette was ‘‘The One’’.

In his autobiography, Feel, an obviously still-besotted Robbie told Rachael: “I’d ride six miles on my mountain bike to come and see you. I think there’s like a ‘we can possibly still get it on’ kind of thing.

“She’s just the sweetest, most unassuming, nice-natured, goodhearted, prettiest thing in Stoke-on-Trent.”

Former model Rachael spoke exclusively to the Sunday Mercury after the autobiography came out in 2004 and admitted: “I’ll always think of Rob as my first love.

“You always have a soft spot for the first bloke you love, don’t you?

“That’s how it is with me and Rob.”