Robbie Williams performs with Take That

Robbie Williams did perform with Take That at a charity gig last night – but didn’t sing one of their hits.

Rumours had been rife the 35-year-old singer would be reuniting with his old band for a Children In Need show at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Although Robbie, Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, Howard Donald and Jason orange appeared on stage together, it was only to sing 57 seconds of The Beatles’ hey Jude alongside, among others, Sir Paul McCartney, Lily Allen and Leona Lewis.

Robbie said after the event: “The reunion’s not happening tonight - we have to wait for something special. But the ball is rolling for a Take That album with me. I was tearing up when I was on stage with the lads. I love them – there’s no more hard feelings. If we did a reunion, it would have to be Back For Good. I’d do one of Gary’s song’s instead of Could It Be Magic because I’m over all that now.”

Gary organised the concert, and performed an uplifting version of the band’s hit Greatest Day. When he had finished he hushed the crowd and said: “Tonight, for the first time, I want to introduce an old friend. Please welcome Robbie Williams!”

Robbie appeared from the wings and the men shared a hug, before a wet-eyed Robbie launched into a storming version of his track Bodies. He said afterwards: “I was tearing up before I came on, knowing what was just about to happen and what the reaction was going to be like.”

Take That also performed Rule The World, which Gary sang for his late father Colin, who passed away recently. “I’d like to dedicate this song to everyone who has lost someone. Dad, this one is for you,” he said.

Other stars who performed included Dame Shirley Bassey, Cheryl Cole, Annie Lennox, Dizzee Rascal, Snow Patrol and Muse.

The concert will be screened in the UK next Thursday.