Robbie Williams reunites with Take That as new album heads to UK number one

The Heavy Entertainment Show will become Williams' 12th number one album.

Pop fans rejoice as Robbie Williams has finally reunited with Take That. Almost five years after the Angels singer parted ways with the band, Williams shared the stage with his former bandmates for the first time in London on 7 November.

In celebration of his Brits Icon award, Williams, 42, performed a special 90-minute concert at east London's Troxy which will be screened on ITV in December. Take That members Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald joined Williams on-stage during the gig for a rendition of their singles Back For Good and The Flood.

The trio then returned for an encore to present Williams with his 18th Brit Award, celebrating his solo career which has spanned 20 years since Take That's original split in 1995. Presenting Williams with the award, Donald said: "Rob, whether you like it or not, you will always be a member of Take That."

During the show, Williams performed a string of his biggest hits including Angels, Let Me Entertain You, Millennium, Kids and Feel while also previewing songs from his new album The Heavy Entertainment Show.

The pop veteran was also joined by his father Pete Conway for a rendition of Better Man and covers of New York, New York and Royals.

Take That, now consisting of Barlow, Donald and Howard after Jason Orange quit in 2014, are returning with their new album Wonderland, which is expected for release in March 2017, along with a UK tour. After quitting the band in the 1990s, Williams rejoined Take That in 2010 for their Progress album and tour but did not appear on the group's subsequent LP III.

Addressing the possibility of his return to the band, Williams said according to Sky News: "It might happen, who knows, but right now I don't think so. Reunion at some point, definitely – but we just couldn't get our diaries to work in the next 12 months."

Williams has been busy with the release of his new solo record The Heavy Entertainment Show, which is on course to land the singer his 12th solo number album in the UK. According to the Official Charts Company, Williams is taking the lead on the midweek chart but faces competition from Michael Ball and Alfie Boe's Together at number two.