The singer, who quit in 1996, is also set to embark on a tour with his former bandmates.

Sky News reports that Williams has agreed to an initial one-year reunion period with the band.

An official announcement is due to be made this evening.

The apparent reunion, which has been muted for some time, comes after Williams repaired his relationship with singer Gary Barlow.

The pair have recently written two tracks which will appear on Williams' upcoming greatest hits album.

(by Jason Gregory)