Robbie Williams reunited on stage with Take That in London on Thursday, but stopped short of performing with his former group.

The singer looked emotional as he appeared alongside Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, Jason Orange and Howard Donald.

Barlow, who organised the Children In Need event at the Royal Albert Hall, introduced Williams on stage as “an old friend of ours”.

It was the first time the singer had appeared in public with the entire group since he quit in mid-90s.

He later sang with Barlow and the rest of the night's performers during a rendition of 'Hey Jude', led by Sir Paul McCartney.

Other acts on the line up last night included Leona Lewis, Lily Allen and Muse.

Dizzee Rascal and Dame Shirley Bassey also teamed up on stage for a special version of 'Diamonds Are Forever'.

The event, which will be shown on BBC1 next Thursday, raised £500,000 for Children In Need from ticket sales alone.

(by Jason Gregory)