The album, which is their first in fifteen years with Robbie Williams, had been due out on November 22.

But it will now arrive a week earlier (November 15), meaning the group will avoid a chart battle with X Factor stars JLS.

Appearing on BBC Radio 1 this morning, singer Gary Barlow claimed the date had been changed because of the popularity of their new single 'The Flood'.

“We're able to see the pre-orders now on albums and it's massive, so we thought let's pull everything forward,” he added.

Meanwhile, Take That have announced details of a huge UK stadium tour, due to take place in summer 2011.

(by Jason Gregory)