AN ASPIRING singer songwriter from Dorset who has been struggling with anxiety and panic attacks received words of encouragement and advice from one of her idols, Robbie Williams.

Katie Russell got the opportunity to speak to Robbie Williams and his wife Ayda through the couple’s Postcards From The Edge Podcast chat which was live streamed on their Instagram page.

The 13-year-old opened up about her struggles in a 25 minute with the former X Factor judges, discussing anxiety, confidence, role models and following your dreams.

Kevin Russell, Katie’s dad, said: “She has been struggling with anxiety attacks for a couple of years, she has also suffered with lack of confidence for the same time.

“She had self-esteem classes at school but, ironically, she never feels more confident than when she is performing in front of people.

“Katie got her first three quarter sized guitar when she was nine years old and had lessons. When her nan passed away when she was 11, she started writing songs as a way to express her grief and she bought a full-sized guitar and she practises her singing and guitar playing most nights.”

The video has since been uploaded to Facebook and been viewed over 600,000 times.

Katie, from Poole, has since had a lot of positive feedback from people on social media about her courage and her honesty.

Kevin added: “When Katie spoke to Robbie and his wife Ayda, it was a complete shock as she has looked up to them for many years.

“She has been happier ever since she spoke to Robbie and has received a lot of positive comments and messages of support from people around the world telling her how inspiring she was.

“She has taken on Robbie and Ayda’s advice and is going to continue looking at the world with a positive mindset and telling herself she might be able to achieve her dreams rather than telling herself she can’t.

The conversation she had will stick with her for the rest of her life and she will never give up on her dreams, she hopes to write with Robbie or the Take That guys one day!”