Take That have announced their upcoming album, their first since Jason Orange announced he was quitting. The trio started work on new material earlier this year without Orange but had his "blessing" to make the record. Due out on 1 December, the album will be called III.
The group also revealed that the first single off the new record will be called These Days and it will get its first radio play on Friday before being released in November. Gary Barlow shared an image promoting their new material on Twitter, adding: "Nice hey? #TTIII" He later tweeted: "Thanks to our brilliant team who've turned this all around in record time! Phew! #ttIII"
Members of that team include ELO frontman Jeff Lynne, who along with Take That, has also produced stars including Paul McCartney, Brian Wilson and Tom Petty. They also worked with Stuart Price, who was involved with their 2010 album, Progress.
That record featured both Jason Orange and Robbie Williams and sold more than a quarter of a millions copies in one day. These Days is described as an "out-and-out feelgood pop" song and also gives "a nod to the sound that defined their early years". All three remaining members - Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen - share vocal duties.
These Days is Take That's answer to Pharrell's Get Lucky. It is seriously happy, which was much needed after Jason's shock departure. It will be played at weddings and parties everywhere. There's even a line advising to turn it up loud, which of course I will. It was well worth the early rise to have a listen. Here's looking forward to the rest of the album in December and of course the tour.
Robbie Williams is helping his wife during the birth of their second child as any supportive husband would – by live-tweeting the event from hospital. The former Take That singer posted a series of videos dancing and singing around Ayda Field, the American actress, in a US hospital delivery room. It’s been branded “bizarre” on social media. You be the judge:
Robbie Williams and his wife Ayda Field have welcomed a baby boy. The couple announced the birth of their son on Twitter, having kept fans updated with live tweeting and videos throughout her labour. Robbie said he "has never been more proud" of his wife, and "never been more in love".
The pop star announced the happy news in one final video message next to his glowing other half, just moments after she gave birth. Sitting on Ayda's bed in a US hospital and holding her hand, Robbie says in the clip: "Erm, so, he's here." "It's ten past three on what day? Monday? And we've been up way over 24 hours. I've never been more in love and I've never been more proud of my wife, she's been absolutely astonishing."
"It's been a very emotional, amazing few hours and we're really happy and honoured that you experienced the journey with us." "Er baby bud isn't having a name yet, we're still figuring it out. He's 8lb1oz," to which Ayda says "two ounces babe, every ounce counts."
The new arrival is the second child for Robbie and his American actress wife – the pair already have a daughter called Theodora. The second-time parents, who are based in LA, announced they were expecting in April when Robbie tweeted: "Ayda and I are delighted to announce that Theodora Rose Williams is going to be a big sister. RW xxx."
They were both in two of the biggest pop bands of the Nineties. And Spice Girls singer Emma Bunton and Gary Barlow enjoyed a catch up as his group Take That turned on the Christmas lights in London's Regent Street on Sunday. Following Jason Orange's shock departure from the band earlier this year, Take That have become a trio with just Gary, Howard Donald and Mark Owen but Emma Bunton and her Heart FM co-host Jamie Theakston were on hand to bolster the group at the festive event.
Gary was grateful for the throngs of fans who had gathered to see him as he tweeted: 'Thank you to our lovely fans for supporting us tonight ! #RegentStreetLights'.It was Take That who got the privilege of turning on the Christmas Lights, with the event themed round A Night At The Museum 2: Secret of the Tomb , and was hosted by Heart FM.
Emma had wrapped up warmly for the occasion, in a mottled black and white coat and black stetson hat. The 38-year-old mother of two took to Twitter to thank her fans for visiting the light turn on, and inform them where she purchased her apparel: ‘Thanks for all your lovely message about tonight #RegentStreetLights I was wearing @reiss coat and hat!!’
Things got all kinds of awkward at a Robbie Williams gig on Saturday when the pop singer realised the audience member he'd been "flirting" with was actually there with her mum. On Saturday night in Brisbane, the former Take That singer, 41, engaged with the front row of the crowd and found a girl called Morgan. It was her birthday.
Williams explained: love that look. I love the glasses and the hair. It's like a secretary look. Which reminds me: I've got to clear my browsing history on my computer.
Before enquiring: So, how old are you today?
Then the realisation: 15?!
At that point, instantly realising his mistake, Williams backtracked.
