How Deep Is Your Love: Take That gave me the strength to heal my broken heart

25 years after Take That released their anthemic hit Never Forget, Paula Burns explores the links between music and healing

Take That (left to right) Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Mark Owen, Robbie Williams and Jason Orange. Being a Take That fan was like being apart of a tribe. It didn’t matter where you were from, when you met a fellow Take That fan there was an instant connection.

A few weeks ago That That held a virtual concert from their respective homes. I had the prosecco ready and the telly tuned to YouTube. I’m not going to lie, I was nervous. I had very low expectations of how they were going to pull it off, it all sounded a bit naff, to be honest. Oh but ye of little faith, it was a night to remember.

As Gary began playing the first few chords of 'Greatest Day' I instantly felt an immense surge of happiness — I was off the couch and dancing, yes dancing, for the first time in months. I almost wanted to cry out of pure elation. Amidst the stress of being confined to our homes, worrying about our health, loved ones and a changing world I had forgotten how amazing it is to listen to music you truly love and to dance. Dancing is just the best. This was to be one of the ‘Greatest’ nights of lockdown.