Take That announces a large-scale tour for 2026: details of the show and new album.

New album and Take That tour

According to The Sun: Take That fans can prepare for an incredible 2026! The band announced a new album and a tour featuring 11 stadium concerts, during which they will recreate the record-breaking concert The Circus Live from 2009.

I spoke with Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, and Mark Owen at the Soho hotel in London, where the atmosphere was filled with genuine excitement.

Take That prepares for a big 2026 with a new album and tour Jason Hetherington Ellie Henman spoke with Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, and Mark Owen in London Supplied

In an exclusive interview, Gary explained:

“It’s actually the fans who solidified the idea for The Circus 2026 for us.”

Howard added:

“For us, The Circus has never gone away.”

The trio is preparing for a tour that will kick off on May 29 at St. Mary's Stadium in Southampton.

“Yes, the elephant is coming with us on tour,” Mark jokes, referring to the large mechanical elephant that made the first tour in 2009 visually stunning.

However, it won’t just be the noble Nelly joining them, as the guys plan to retrieve their original Circus costumes.

“MORE THAN OUR BAND”

“The costumes still fit,” Gary smiles, while Mark adds that they are preparing for a grand show with additional performances.

“The most amazing thing is that we once again have the opportunity to work with so many talented people from all around the world,” he explains.

“It’s a real human show: acrobats, fire-breathers, jugglers, tightrope walkers.”

“This will give us a chance to be creative in all corners of the world again — and it should feel like now is the right time for it.”

Howard added:

“I started bringing my unicycle with me since I found out we’re doing this.”

Gary is preparing for the tour in a somewhat unconventional way, laughing:

“I dress up as a clown before going to bed, Dorn loves it.”

On a more serious note, Gary noted that the band is actively training to be in shape for concerts in cities like Cardiff, Glasgow, Manchester, London, Sunderland, and Coventry.

Guests on the tour will include The Script and Belinda Carlisle.

Gary adds:

“It’s a big show, and I’ve been putting it off for a few months. It’s always great to announce a world tour, and then we actually have to do it. I’ll get to work right away.”

“This show is more than our band.”

“It transports you to another world for a few hours.”

If you didn’t get a chance to see The Circus Live for the first time, it was the most incredible visual spectacle. The tour became the fastest sold-out in history, with over 600,000 tickets sold in under five hours.

I’m sure that when tickets go on sale at 9:30 next Friday, the tour will generate the same huge demand.

The trio will not include former members Robbie Williams and Jason Orange. The pair will also not be writing or appearing on the tenth Take That album, a continuation to the No1 album This Life from 2023.

According to sources, the former members have given their blessing for the concert and the album, and Gary noted that he was pleased to work with Robbie on his new Britpop album, which will be released on February 6.

 

“We did it during lockdown. We spent about a month sending instrumentals, writing lyrics, and then he announced the album, and I thought, ‘Oh, it’s a shame none of the songs made it there.’”

“However, he said, ‘There is Morrissey on it.’ It’s a good song, very funny.”

The guys are actively writing a new album — Gary promises that new hits will appear soon.

He says:

“We’re thinking about where we’ll sing these songs. It has to feel massive, like raised hands. That’s the goal. Stadium sound.”

“We’ve already been in the studio and written several new songs together.”

“You might hear some of them on the tour next year.

“There will be songs that people know and love, and also maybe we’ll add a few new surprises.”

Mark adds:

“This is our tenth album, and I want to make it truly special. I don’t want to rush it. I’m glad we’re together at The Circus.”

“We’ll be together for a long time, and I always believe that the more we’re together, the better the outcome.”

“It’s interesting that we’ve been together forever, but it feels like we’re just getting started. We’ve just begun.”

And I eagerly anticipate this journey.

The only thing left is to buy a tailcoat and polish my juggling balls.

In light of the grand news about Take That’s new album and tour, fans can look forward to exciting concerts that will leave unforgettable impressions. The return to the visual show Circus promises not only musical hits but also stunning special effects. The tour will be an event not to be missed.