Confirmed: Robbie Williams rejoins Take That

Thursday, July 15 2010, 16:03 BST By Alex Fletcher, Reality TV Editor

Rex Features

Robbie Williams has confirmed that he is rejoining Take That to record an album and tour.

The 'Angels' singer released a joint statement with his former group, claiming that the reunion "feels like coming home".

"The rumours are true... Take That: the original lineup, have written and recorded a new album for release later this year," read the band's statement.

"Following months of speculation Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jason Orange, Mark Owen and Robbie Williams confirmed they have been recording a new studio album as a five-piece, which they will release in November.

"It is the first time they've recorded a full album together since the release of their number one album Nobody Else back in 1995."

Williams commented: "I get embarrassingly excited when the five of us are in a room. It feels like coming home."

Mark Owen added: "Getting the five of us to be in a room together, although always a dream, never actually seemed like becoming a reality. Now the reality of the five of us making a record together feels like a dream. It's been an absolute delight spending time with Rob again. But I'm still a better footballer."

The group are also expected to tour together, either later this year or in 2011.

Earlier this week, Williams announced the details of a new best of collection, titled In And Out Of Consciousness - The Greatest Hits 1999-2010, which will be released in October.

Williams originally quit Take That in 1995 after falling out with his bandmates and manager Nigel Martin-Smith during rehearsals for the 'Nobody Else Tour'. Take That completed the tour, released a Greatest Hits compilation and split on February 13, 1996. Williams went on to have seven UK number one albums and scored numerous chart hits with tracks including 'Rock DJ', 'Feel' and 'Millennium'. He was also awarded the 'Outstanding Contribution To Music' gong at the Brit Awards earlier this year.

The group reformed, without Williams, in November 2005 after filming the documentary Take That: For The Record for ITV. The Stoke-on-Trent born singer rekindled his relationship with the band over recent years and joined them on stage at the Albert Hall for a charity concert last November.

Williams hinted at this earlier this year (on some interview). I know he use to hate Gary Barlow, so its cool to see they have patched up their differences.

Iam not sure about europe, but their comeback in the UK was nothing short of extraordinary. I got their greatest hits years ago when everybody still hated them LOL. A few cool pop tunes, but Iam not a big fan of their old stuff or their new stuff. Still, it could be cool...

whoopee