Robbie talks up Take That reunion

Williams returned to live in the UK in January 2009

Singer Robbie Williams has said he is ready to rejoin Take That and is being welcomed back by his old bandmates.

The 35-year-old star told The Mirror newspaper the reunion was "looking more likely by the week", adding he is in "regular contact" with them.

He quit Take That in 1995. The band split a year later but reformed as a chart-topping foursome in 2006.

Williams is working on a new solo album but his spokesman said: "There are no plans for a Take That reunion."

The singer's departure from the band was acrimonious and for many years he was not on speaking terms with Gary Barlow.

No plans

He explained both he and the band had put their differences behind them: "We've matured now. We'd have a laugh."

The singer, speaking at the opening night of the musical We Will Rock You in Manchester, said: "The lads seem up for it and some people think it's a done deal.

"Let's see what happens, but my head's in the right place so the timing could be right if Gary calls. I think it would be fun," he added.

Take That's comeback single, Patience, gave the group their ninth career number one.

The reunited Take That won awards at the Brits in 2007 and 2008

Their two albums as a foursome, Beautiful World in 2006 and Circus in 2008, have both topped the charts.

Williams' last solo album was Rudebox in 2006 which also topped the charts, but his UK sales were far behind those of Beautiful World.

Williams is currently signed to the EMI label, while Take That are with Polydor.

EMI had no comment on the interview, while Polydor said there were no plans, adding Take That's own projects would keep them busy until the end of the year.