Robbie Williams Says One Direction Can Be As Big As The Spice Girls

7 January 2013, 11:22 | Updated: 7 January 2013, 11:27

The 'Candy' singer thinks the boyband have the ability to take over the world in the same way the girl group did.

Robbie Williams has revealed that he thinks One Direction can take over the world in the same way that The Spice Girls did and noted the similar chemistry in both groups.

The 'Let Me Entertain You' star told The Sun that he has noticed comparable elements in the success of the boyband which he witnessed with Mel B, Geri, Emma, Victoria and Mel C in the 90s.

"They're quite a power in the way the Spice Girls were," the Take That man said. "The Spice Girls took over the world and won and I think the One Direction boys have a similar chemistry."

The 38 year-old star has previously complimented the group and in particular, Harry Styles.

During a press conference for his European stadium tour announcement last year, he called the 18 year-old star "beguiling" and thinks he could one day take over as a solo performer – in the same way he did when he left Take That. 

"There must be a Harry Styles looking at me, going: 'He's over the hill now'," he admitted.

Meanwhile, One Direction are currently gearing up for their 2013 world tour, which will see them perform 117 shows across the world, kicking off at London's O2 Arena next month.

Robbie Williams has also recently been tipped to perform at the BRIT Awards 2013.