Take That as former pals cut Robbie out

TAKE THAT returned to the limelight at last night’s Brit Awards, getting the plaudits for Best British Single thanks to viewers’ votes for their comeback track Patience.

But the reformed group failed to send out a message to their troubled former bandmate Robbie Williams in their acceptance speech — although he celebrated his 33rd birthday, on Tuesday, is currently in rehab for dependency on prescription drugs.

Lead singer Gary Barlow said: “Thank you everybody. It’s amazing. Oh my god. It’s unbelievable.”

Mark Owen added: “Can I just say I have sat in that chair what a great year for music. Great f**king singers, great, absolutely fantastic.

Jason Orange told the audience: “The first time Take That happened I cut my dad out of the picture for whatever reason. But he’s here tonight. Love you.”

But there were no words for Robbie.

The Arctic Monkeys were thrilled to receive the award for British Album of the Year.

They said via video: “Sorry we couldn’t be here this year. We’re having a wonderful time. We’re busy for the year ahead.

“We’re thrilled to receive the award. We’ve had a lot of recognition but no doubt that this is very special award much appreciated by us all.”

Corinne Bailey Rae performed her hit single Put Your Records On, while Take That also performed Patience.

Oasis were honoured with an Outstanding Contribution to Music award.

Noel said: “It’s been a f**king pleasure.”

In typical rebellious style, Liam said of the award: “Is that all it is? I suppose it will have to do.”

The brothers performed some of their most famous hits — Cigarettes and Alcohol, Meaning of Soul, Morning Glory, Don’t Look Back in Anger, and Rock and Roll Star.

Noel hit out at identikit politicians tonight as he boasted he could be “bigger than Elvis” as a solo artist.

The rocker said he didn’t expect Britain to get any better if Gordon Brown became the next Prime Minister because he was “no different from David Cameron. He said the media had made Tony Blair into a “president”, adding: “It’s no wonder he acts like one.”

Asked about going solo, he said he would not do it because being in a band was “more fun” and he had seen other former members of bands end up as “very lonely boys”.

But he left no doubt he felt he would be a great success on his own.

“I could do it easily but if I was a solo artist I would be the biggest solo artist in the country easy, no messing, within a year...

“I could. I’d be bigger than Elvis. I would.”