Captain salt and pepper! Robbie Williams embraces white hair as he transforms himself into a navy officer for new video

He has been on the music scene for quite some time now after first making his mark as part of Take That in the early 1990s.

And while he was first spotted with a head of grey hair back in 2010, Robbie Williams has been doing what he can to keep his grey undercover...until now.

The 39-year-old was seen embracing his salt and pepper locks as he filmed his video for his latest single, Go Gentle on Friday in Los Angeles.

Colour me quick: Robbie Williams showed off white and grey hair as he filmed his latest video in Los Angeles on Friday

Different look: In June of this year Robbie has much darker hair - after being spotted almost completely grey in 2010

In fact so drastic is the change in colour from just a few months ago, it seems the father-of-one may even have hit the bottle to create the look.

Slicked back off his face in a neat parting, it was impossible to miss the singer's new grey hair as he pulled off the look of a very distinguished officer.

Wearing a military uniform while riding a pirate ship adorned with a Union Jack flag, the star cruised downtown Los Angeles for the shoot, which took place on Friday .

Dressed in a black blue two-piece with gold military detailing, he completed the look with slick-backed hair and patent leather shoes - crucially worn without socks for added style. 

In character: The hair may have been dyed specifically for his role in the video

Dapper gentleman: Robbie looks handsome as he records scenes for the new video, Go Gentle

Ahoy: The singer was seen messing about with a telescope on the set of the video

Looking grey: Robbie was pictured with very grey hair back in 2010 but has been dying it since

The video also sees him flanked by a maritime band, including a saxophone-blowing sailor, who is dressed in a crisp, white uniform.

The new single, taken from the forthcoming LP Swings Both Ways, marks Robbie's first new material in several years.

The follow-up to 2001s Swing When You're Winning, it features duets with stars including Lily Allen and Michael Buble. It also boasts collaborations with Kelly Clarkson, Olly Murs and the critically acclaimed Rufus Wainwright.

Sing when you're winning: The 39 year-old former Take That star is poised for a spectacular chart return

The album has also seen him reunite with songwriter Guy Chambers on six new songs including a track called No One Likes a Fat Pop Star.

The singer, who is known for his self-deprecating sense of humour, was once described by Oasis star Noel Gallagher as 'the fat dancer from Take That'.

Now THAT'S a road trip: Backed by a huge maritime band, Robbie cruises the streets of LA

He said: ‘First of all, I wanted to do a swing album because I wanted to do a swing album. I always knew I'd do another and I think now is the perfect time to do it.

‘I'm enjoying showbiz and I'm enjoying my life and my understanding of where I am now is that there needs to be an event every time I bring out a record. 

‘The album this time is a definite ode and a loving glance towards a period on the planet that I was never invited to 'cos I wasn't there ... I wanted to be, which I feel still very strongly linked to.

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‘Going in I planned it to be very similar to the last one, and then I realised that's actually not what I wanted.

‘It's different - it's not all covers. I had some songs that I wanted the world to hear and check out and maybe become part of the fabric of their lives, if I'm lucky enough, that I've had a hand in writing.

'So it's very, very similar to the last one, and very different - and hopefully I'm off to romance the
world.’

Swing Both Ways will be released on 18 November.

Suits You, Sir: The news of Robbie's new album comes slightly ahead of Gary Barlow's similar announcement