Take That to play Point

Legendary boyband Take That are to play a concert in Ireland after reforming for a major tour almost 10 years after they split, it emerged today.

The band, famed for their outrageous costumes and choreographed dance routines, have confirmed they will play Dublin’s Point Theatre on Friday May 12 next.

Four of the band’s original line-up – Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jason Orange and Mark Owen – have reunited for an 11-date arena tour kicking off in April next year.

At a press conference to announce their comeback at the Berkeley Hotel in London, Gary said: “Thank you very much for giving us the last 10 years off, but unfortunately the rumours are true – Take That are going back on tour.”

The band announced the Take That – The Ultimate Tour 2006 after a recent tell-all ITV documentary attracted nearly six million viewers. Their recent greatest hits album and DVD went straight to number two in the UK charts following its release on November 14.

Take That have promised the tour will contain the same eye-catching costumes, pyrotechnics and choreographed dance routines favoured before their split in 1996.

The band confirmed the shows would feature all their chart-topping hits such as Back For Good, Pray, It Only Takes A Minute and Relight My Fire.

All are now in their 30s, with the eldest, Howard, approaching his 38th birthday.

Mark, 33, said: “It will be a bit of fun, people can come along and we’ll try our best to entertain and hopefully bring back some memories.”

All four admitted they would love former member Robbie Williams, who went on to have an successful career internationally as a solo artist, to join them.

Gary, 34, said: “I think we can all say we would definitely have loved that. But we do respect that’s not going to happen.

“Rob’s got his own deal going on and we obviously wish him the best with that.”

Jason, 35, revealed Robbie had given his blessing to the reunion.

Unlike boy bands who have followed in their footsteps, such as Westlife, Howard said: “We’re going to give a very entertaining and energetic show. We’re not going to be sat on chairs like certain groups nowadays.”

Mark said of other boybands: “They’re okay, but I don’t think they touch what we did on stage.”

If the tour proves successful, Gary indicated a new album could be the outcome.

The band members have been offered a reported £1.5m (€2.2m) each to go back on the road.

Some of the band admitted money was an important factor in their return, but they said they would not attempt the tour if they felt they could not put on a memorable show.

Tickets for the Dublin concert, priced between €46.25 and €57, will go on sale on Friday, December 2, at 8am.