Robbie Williams brings surprise star guest out at Co-op Live gig in Manchester

Robbie said: "Show her the love she deserves" as he welcomed a special guest in Manchester

Pop superstar Robbie Williams stunned fans at the first of his two Manchester Co-op Live gigs by bringing out a surprise star guest.

Former Take That star Robbie is back in the city with his new Britpop Tour, playing two sold out shows at the huge arena.

Earlier gigs on the tour have seen a string of surprise guests join Robbie on stage - including boyband Five in London.

He has also been welcoming surprise singers to perform the now-famous "Lulu bit" of Take That hit Relight My Fire, including Lulu herself at one show, and former X Factor winner Michelle McManus on his opening night in Edinburgh.

And on Tuesday night in Manchester, it was another X Factor star who joined Robbie for Relight My Fire to the delight of fans.

For Robbie announced to the crowds to huge cheers that Lucy Spraggan was joining him to sing.

He had earlier brought out Thom Rylance from Wigan's own The Lottery Winners, who played as the support at the start of the night, to perform a selection of acoustic versions of his biggest hits.

And Thom remained on stage to play as Lucy joined the duo.

Wearing a black leatherette suit, Lucy delighted the crowd singing along to the Take That chart-topper alongside Robbie.

The pals embraced at the end of the song, as Robbie said: "Show her the love she deserves."

Lucy appeared in The X Factor back in 2012 and has gone on to enjoy chart success as a solo artist.

Meanwhile The Lottery Winners frontman Thom had earlier hailed the gig "the best night of my life" after playing the support slot at the sold out Co-op Live arena.

When he rejoined Robbie on stage during the "C stage" section of the show, the two singers bantered about what their double act would be called, settling on "The Balls".

Robbie returns to Co-op Live for the second of his two shows on Wednesday night.

You can click below for a gallery of pics from the first Manchester Co-op Live gig

Fans can expect a humdinger of a show with Robbie the self-styled "King of Entertainment". He plays a host of his biggest solo hits including Rock DJ, Let Me Entertain You, Come Undone, Feel and Angels.