It’s been the subject of rumours in the UK music press for 12 months, and now British ‘boy band’ (or, at least, the grown up version) Take That have announced that former member Robbie Williams is set to rejoin the group for a brand new album and tour.

The award-winning five-piece – consisting of Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, Howard Donald, Jason Orange and now Williams, once again – first made their mark on the music scene back in Manchester in 1990. Brought together by a manager who saw a gap in the market for such an act, the group hit the top of the pop charts not only in England but across the globe with tracks like “Pray”, “Love Ain’t Here Anymore” and “Back For Good”. Despite millions of albums sold, inner tensions within the group – particularly between Barlow and Williams, who’ve since made up and are now writing together once again – reach a tipping point. The outspoken “Let Me Entertain You” singer jumped ship from Take That in 1996, the group disbanding shortly after.

However, after the four remaining members rejoined for a mammoth tour in 2005, things took a turn for the better – and now Williams will rejoin the rest of the group for the first new record in 15 years. “Getting the five of us to be in a room together, although always a dream, never actually seemed like becoming a reality,” Owen says.

“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.”

Williams, who has regularly shrugged off reunion rumours, says he can’t wait to hit the road. “I get embarrassingly excited when the five of us are in a room. It feels like coming home.”