Robbie Williams has said he bought Eric Morecambe's glasses and pipe because he has always seen the comedian as an "uncle of sorts". The singer said he cried "happy, childlike tears" after submitting the top bid last month with a final offer of £20,000. This far exceeded the £2,000 to £4,000 estimate.

Robbie Williams said he cried like a child after winning an auction bid on Eric Morecambe’s glasses and pipe as he has always seen the comedian as an “uncle of sorts” ...

The imitation tortoiseshell Metzler glasses and pipe went for far in excess of their £2,000 to £4,000 estimate - fetching £20,000. In a post on social media, Williams said he treated himself to the items ahead of his 51st birthday.

Robbie Williams has bought Eric Morecambe's iconic glasses and pipe for £20,000, as he sees the late comedian as an 'uncle of sorts'.

The singer Robbie Williams has revealed he cried "happy, childlike tears" after making the winning bid for comedy legend Eric Morecambe's glasses and pipe at auction. A lifetime of showbiz memorabilia and personal items from the comedian's former home,