Interest in Take That has revived following a recent ITV documentary that attracted nearly six million viewers. The group’s greatest hits album was released earlier this month and went straight into the chart at number two, selling 90,000 copies in its first week. All are now in their 30s, with the eldest, Howard, approaching his 38th birthday.

Explaining why they are going back on the road a decade after their split, Mark Owen said: “We’re not getting any younger, that’s the truth. I think if we don’t do it now, we probably never could. It’s kind of now or never for all of us.” The band members have been offered a reported £1.5 million each to go back on the road.

The band admitted they would love Robbie Williams to join them. Gary Barlow 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.” Owen added: “The door’s always open for Rob. If ever he’s bored one day and we’re on the road and he wants to come and sing a song, we’re always ready to do that. We’ll have a spare mic ready for him on stage.”

Jason Orange revealed he had spoken to Robbie in recent weeks. “He’s absolutely given us his blessing. He’s in a place where he’s comfortable with himself and his own career. But I should imagine he might have mixed feelings - he’s delighted for us but he might be a bit wistful as well. But he’s cool, this won’t offend him. He won’t be upset by this.”

However, it will not be the first time Take That have performed without Robbie - they carried on without him for six months after he left the band. The last time they stood on a British stage was at London’s Earls Court on August 31, 1995, a month after he walked out. When Take That finally disbanded in February 1996, fans were so distraught that the Samaritans set up a special helpline. Tickets for the 2006 tour go on sale from 9am on Friday, December 2.

Take That tour dates:

April 24 - Newcastle Metro Radio Arena
April 27 & 28 - Birmingham NEC
April 30 - Glasgow SECC
May 2 - Sheffield Hallam FM Arena
May 5 & 6 - Manchester MEN Arena
May 8 & 9 - London Wembley Arena
May 12 - Dublin The Point
May 14 - Belfast Odyssey