Robbie Williams has announced his live comeback.

The 'Bodies' singer will play three intimate shows in the UK and one in Ireland this September as he prepares to make his return as a solo performer.

Robbie will be playing small venues which he performed at on his first ever solo tour, The Show-Off Must Go On, in 1997, as well as at Dublin's O2 Arena - a charity show honouring a promise he made to fans when a 2006 show was blighted by technical difficulties.

Robbie - who rejoined boy band Take That for their 'Progress' album in 2010 and subsequent tour - has been posting updates on the progress of his new album for fans on his blog.

He wrote last month: ''Sorry i've been a bit crap keeping up with you... but there's been nothing to report... Just been in the gym trying to offset the onset of middle age fetching things for [pregnant wife] ayda... and trying to figure out which tracks stay on the album + which tracks should be shelved (sic).

''Speaking of which... if and when i tour ; ) would you rather hear let love be your energy or karma killer? sending big love (sic).''

Fans from anywhere in the world who want to see Robbie in September will have to register for tickets before Sunday September 2 on his official website tickets.robbiewilliams.com

Robbie Williams live dates September 2012:

September 11: Leeds Academy, UK

September 12: Glasgow Barrowland, UK

September 14: Dublin O2 Arena, Ireland

September 16: Southend Cliffs Pavilion, UK