‘In And Out Of Consciousness: Greatest Hits 1990-2010’ has become the Take That star’s ninth number one of his career.

The album, which features a duet with Gary Barlow, outsold the rest of the top-5 combined, according to the Official Charts Company.

Williams said: “I am thrilled. It couldn't come at a better time for me - twenty years into my career, and just as I embark on a new adventure with Take That.

“Thanks to all the fans who have supported me over the years - you have been amazing."

Elsewhere, Sir Cliff Richard scored the thirty-ninth Top-10 album of his fifty-year career with ‘Bold As Brass’, which debuted at number three.

Dubstep supergroup Magnetic Man’s selt-titled debut entered at number five, while Belle & Sebastian’s ‘Write About Love’ charted at number eight.

Meanwhile, in the singles chart, Cee Lo Green remained at number one for a second week with ‘F*ck You’.

Duck Sauce, the side-project of Armand Van Helden and A-Trak, debuted at number three with their club hit ‘Barbra Streisand’.

(by Jason Gregory)