CityLife

Take That: History of hits

WHEN Take That announced they were to split in 1996, the Samaritans set up a helpline to cope with the emotional fall-out.

Millions of fans across the world were left heartbroken by the demise of Britain's biggest boy band.

They spawned a host of imitators - among them Boyzone, Westlife and Five.

But Take That - Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jason Orange, Robbie Williams and Mark Owen - retained a special place in the nation's affections.

News they were to reform after a decade-long absence reduced grown women to starstruck teenagers once again.

Take That were put together in 1990 by manager Nigel Martin-Smith, who wanted to create the UK's answer to New Kids On The Block.

Their first year was spent slogging away in clubs up and down the country.

Memorable

First single Do What U Like only made number 82 - but was accompanied by a memorable video which saw the boys writhe around on the floor semi-naked and covered in jelly.

Follow-up singles Promises and Once You've Tasted Love barely dented the top 40.

Their breakthrough came in June 1992 with It Only Takes A Minute, which reached number seven.

Other hits followed, including A Million Love Songs and Could It Be Magic.

Their first number one was Pray in July 1993.

It was one of eight chart-topping singles for the band - the others were Relight My Fire, Babe, Everything Changes, Sure, Back For Good, Never Forget and How Deep Is Your Love.

They became the first band since the Beatles to score four consecutive number ones.

They sold 10 million albums during their career.

But as their fame grew, Robbie grew increasingly disillusioned with life within the confines of a boy band.

There was squabbling behind the scenes and Robbie left the band in 1995.

The remaining four carried on for six months before announcing they too were calling it a day.

In November 2005 last year the band began their comeback with a tell-all ITV documentary - numerous sell out tours later and they are back for 11 Manc dates this month.

Here's a history of their hits to date:

Take That Hits:

:: It Only Takes A Minute

:: I Found Heaven

:: A Million Love Songs

:: Could It Be Magic

:: Why Can't I Wake Up With You

:: Pray

:: Relight My Fire

:: Babe

:: Everything Changes

:: Love Ain't Here Any More

:: Sure

:: Back For Good

:: Never Forget

:: How Deep Is Your Love

:: Patience

:: Shine

:: Rule The World.

Which is your favourite? Let us know your thoughts.