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, Brachefield in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, were sold in January.

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” ...

A pair of glasses worn by comedy legend Eric Morecambe was sold for £20,000 at a memorabilia auction in Hertfordshire last month… and now the mystery bidder has been revealed. The late comic, who died in 1984, aged 58, was part of an iconic and hilarious duo with his comedy partner Ernie Wise, who died in 1999.

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