A REUNION MADE IN HEAVEN

On 15 July 2010, after years of speculation, the most popular boy band ever was about to re-form. Well, re-re-form, actually, as they had already done so as a highly successful foursome, but now it was truly going to happen. Take That was to be a five-piece again. Robbie Williams was coming home.

In truth, it had been in the pipeline for years. In the aftermath of his departure from Take That in 1995, Robbie had forged a stellar career, whereas the others hadn't. But in more recent years, Take That had staged one of the most successful comebacks the world of entertainment had ever seen, while Robbie's career hadn't glowed as brightly as once it had. At the same time, hostilities were largely over: the rivalry between Robbie and his old bandmates, especially Gary Barlow, had cooled considerably. Indeed, they all looked set to be the best of friends once more.

As far back as December 2008, it had become clear that a reunion really was on the cards. Robbie was waxing positively lyrical about his old friends: 'The thing that struck me the most was how much fun they're having,' he said. 'It's more rewarding when you're a gang. Ever since I left Take That I've wanted to be in a band. We got together a lot over the summer. It was amazing. We've all matured a lot since we parted. I'm very pleased to say the differences we've had have just melted away. I celebrated by getting a Take That symbol tattooed on my right arm. I'm proud to know the boys and I'm proud to have been in the band. I'd love to be in the band again but I've got some unfinished business of my own.' And anyway – there were a few legalities to be ironed out first.

But still, a new tattoo of Take That's symbol? It must be serious. Gary clearly thought so, too: 'We will [reunite] one day,' he said. 'I just don't know when.' Although no dates had been announced, behind the scenes the wheels were being put in motion: Robbie's people were talking to Take That's people and all the interested parties were gradually edging back towards the fold. In March the following year, Robbie attended the opening of We Will Rock You in Manchester and came out for the idea more strongly still.

'I'm in regular contact with them, even Gary, and it's looking more likely by the week,' he observed. 'The lads all seem up for it and some people think it's a done deal. I think it would be fun. Let's see what happens, but my head's in the right place, so the timing could be right if Gary calls. I think it would be fun. It would be good. We've matured now. We'd have a laugh.'

In September 2009, the rumour mill went into overdrive. Robbie and the rest of the boys had reportedly been spotted in Electric Lady studios in New York. Was it possible that new material was on the cards? That had been one