Key facts
- Robot name
- Om
- Height
- 60ft
- Tour
- Take That's 2011 Progress Live tour
- Location
- Compton Bassett, near Calne, Wiltshire
- Property purchase
- Robbie Williams bought the estate in 2008 for approximately £8.1 million
- Residents' reaction
- Described as 'creepy fella', 'spooky', and 'freaking out'
Background
A 60ft mechanical figure, known as Om, was the centrepiece of Take That's 2011 Progress Live tour. The tour was notable as the first time the group performed as a five-piece since 1995. The robot was engineered to lower band members onto the stage via its enormous palms.
Robbie Williams purchased the seven-bedroom mansion and its surrounding 71-acre estate in the Wiltshire village of Compton Bassett in 2008 for approximately £8.1 million. He lived there during 2009 before relocating to Los Angeles and later selling the property.
Following the tour, it is believed that Robbie Williams acquired Om. The robot was originally thought to be heading to his LA residence, but it ultimately ended up at the Wiltshire property.
Current situation
The robot has been spotted peering out from the trees at the former estate, startling local residents. One nearby resident described it as a 'creepy fella'. The structure has been photographed at the location, reportedly 'freaking out' villagers in Compton Bassett, near Calne.
Kristina Bowen noticed it while driving home towards Calne. She said: 'Something caught my eye. I thought: what's that? I've driven up and down that road many times and have never spotted it before. So I stopped the car and there he was - this giant humanoid sitting in amongst the trees, looking down into the field.'
Fellow residents shared their encounters on a local Facebook group. Sarah Spencer said: 'When I first saw it I had to turn around and go back to see what I thought I'd seen. It caught me completely off guard but I was intrigued. I thought someone had built a Wicker Man.' Liz Neve posted that she too 'wondered' whether her eyes were playing tricks, adding: 'It's such a perfect location as it just seems to emerge from nowhere - and then as you drive alongside it, it seems to withdraw back into the foliage.'
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Robot name | Om |
| Height | 60ft |
| Tour | Take That's 2011 Progress Live tour |
| Tour production cost | £15m |
| Property purchase year | 2008 |
| Purchase price | £8.1 million |
| Estate size | 71 acres |
| Residency | 2009 |
| First five-piece performance since | 1995 |
Impacts
Local residents have described the robot as 'spooky', with some convinced they were 'seeing things'. The unexpected sight has caused surprise and curiosity among those who encounter it.
The robot's presence has become a talking point in the village, with residents sharing their experiences online. The structure, which once commanded the spotlight at Wembley Stadium, now sits abandoned among the trees, creating an unusual landmark.
The exact ownership and maintenance status of the robot remain unclear. It is not known who currently owns the property or the robot, or whether the structure will be removed or remain in place.
Future outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If the robot remains on the property, it may continue to surprise and intrigue locals and passers-by. Its presence could become a local curiosity, potentially attracting visitors to the area.
Should the current property owner decide to remove the robot, the sightings would cease, and the village would return to its previous state. However, there is no indication of any such plans.
If the robot's condition deteriorates over time, it could become a safety concern, prompting action from authorities or the owner. Alternatively, it might be preserved as a piece of pop culture memorabilia, given its association with Take That's tour.
Source: liverpoolecho.co.uk
