Take That announce new album and 2017 arena tour – without Robbie Williams… for now

Take That have announced a huge tour for 2017 in support of their new album Wonderland – but Robbie Williams is not set to feature at this stage.

The 22-date tour of UK and Ireland will offer fans the first chance to hear tracks from their upcoming eighth studio album, set for release in March.

Details of the tour – which will feature All Saints as special guests and is to begin at Newcastle Metro Radio Arena on 8 May 2017 – were announced during the first ad break of Saturday night's X Factor.

Those who pre-order the album through Amazon before October 25 will get exclusive access to pre-sale tickets of the tour.

Now performing as a trio following the departure of Jason Orange in 2014 and Williams' ongoing solo commitments with new record The Heavy Entertainment Show, Gary Barlow, 45, Howard Donald, 48, and Mark Owen, 44, will perform in the round for the first time.

A source told the Daily Star: "The album has taken a little longer to complete than they expected but the band are all thrilled with the record.

"They can't wait to get on the road and perform the new songs to fans, alongside all their greatest hits."

The veteran pop group released their debut album in 1992 before breaking teenage hearts and splitting in 1996, just months after bad boy Williams quit the band.

However, they came back for good in 2005, scoring a number of hit singles and albums. Williams patched up relations and has returned intermittently since 2010 after a hugely successful solo career.

Take That have achieved seven UK Number One albums, 15 Number One singles, sold over 45 million records, won six Ivor Novellos, and bagged eight BRIT Awards.

Internationally, they have scored a staggering 54 No.1 hits and 35 No.1 albums.