Injured Take That star resting - Oct 30 2007
Take That's Howard Donald is recovering from a chest injury that forced him to pull out of a performance, but it is still unclear when he will return to the stage, a spokesman said.

Donald was admitted to hospital after he was injured while performing during the band's tour of Europe.

It meant he could not take part in a concert on October 26 in Vienna, but the show went on at his request.

The spokesman said Donald was discharged from hospital in Vienna on Saturday and was now resting with his family.

He said: "Everyone I'm sure will be pleased to hear that Howard is making a speedy recovery and the doctors are very happy with his progress.

"He will as a result be rejoining his band mates in Hamburg on Wednesday this week when the tour arrives there. Although it is still not clear when he will be back on stage performing with the other guys, the early indications are that it will be very soon.

"(Fellow bandmates) Mark, Gary and Jason all visited Howard after the show in Vienna on Friday night along with the dancers and musicians to help cheer him up. They're all looking forward to him joining them this week in Germany."

He did not give any more information about the seriousness of the injury or exactly how it happened.


Take That to front M&S campaign - Sept 19 2007
Take That are to be the new faces of Marks & Spencer menswear, it’s been confirmed.

A new campaign, shot by photographer Rankin, features the reunited group wearing a variety of looks from the Autograph autumn range.

The photographs show Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jason Orange and Mark Owen both individually and as a group.

The group said: "It’s brilliant to be working with such a strong British brand as M&S and to be the faces for the new autumn Autograph campaign.

"We were really impressed with the Plan A eco-initiative that M&S launched in January and the commitments the company has made towards greener retailing.

"It’s really important to us to work with people who share our values as well as make great clothes."

M&S will also be the official sponsor of the band’s forthcoming Beautiful World tour.

Steven Sharp, marketing executive director, said: "Take That have had a phenomenal 12 months and it’s great to see them doing so well - long may it continue.

"We are very excited to have them on board, especially because of their support for our Plan A work which is at the heart of our business."

The collection will be available in 270 stores around the country.

Advertisements start on October 4 in newspapers and magazines and on billboards.

Last year Take That ended a decade of absence with a sell-out tour and a new album.


Take That to release Rule The World - Sept 12 2007
Take That have named their next single Rule The World, an appropriate title for the band behind one of the biggest comebacks in pop history.

The song, which will be released next month and includes an 18-piece string ensemble, will feature on the soundtrack of forthcoming blockbuster Stardust.

Directed by Matthew Vaughn, the fantasy film boasts an all-star cast including Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sienna Miller and Claire Danes.

It tells the story of Tristan (Charlie Cox) who journeys to a magical land to retrieve a fallen star for love interest Victoria (Miller).

Take That, who first found fame in 1990, said they found their first experience of writing for film "hugely exciting".