Gary Barlow is one of the most successful songwriters in British musical history, proving wildly popular both as part of Take That and as a solo artist.
Barlow, who celebrates his 50th birthday on Wednesday, developed a love of music thanks to stars including Sir Elton John and taught himself to play his favourite songs on a keyboard.
After a stint on the club circuit in the north of England, super stardom beckoned when he formed Take That.
To mark Barlow’s birthday, the PA news agency takes a look back at his career so far:
Take That’s early success