Robbiemania 2003 starts right here

Just as his Auckland early summer concert date is announced, Robbie Williams turns up on the telly tonight in Robbie Williams: Manufactured Miracles - Making Something Beautiful (TV2, 8pm).

The show follows open auditions for fans who "captured the essence of a Robbie Williams' performance" with the winner appearing in the video for single Something Beautiful .

But, of course, the entertainment factor comes from those whose Williams' impersonations aren't quite up to Stars In Their Eyes quality.

Williams is playing at Western Springs on Saturday December 6 with support from a revived Duran Duran and local pop heroes Nesian Mystik.

Williams returns after his late 2001 concerts, which became the biggest moneyspinner in New Zealand concert history.

The tour was estimated to have grossed $10 million, with about 100,000 fans attending on the four concert dates.

Williams' bigger 2003 stadium show requires 400 tonnes of gear carried on 20 trucks, and needs 60 crew to build it.

It seems Williams' appeal in Australia has finally caught up with his popularity in New Zealand.

Having played indoor arenas when he was last across the Tasman, this time Williams is performing at Melbourne's Telstra Dome on Wednesday December 10 and Sydney's Aussie Stadium on Saturday December 13.

Tickets for his Auckland show go on sale on via the internet on Friday September 12 (www.liveinconcert.co.nz) or over the counter at New Zealand Postshops on Monday September 22.