A brand-new documentary taking a look back over 30 years of iconic boyband Take That has just been released.
Aptly-titled 30 Years in the Making, and now available to watch exclusively on streaming platform ITVX, the new documentary has been dubbed a “joyous celebration” that takes a deep dive and a retrospective look at the three-decade long success of the beloved boyband that formed in Manchester all the way back in 1990.
The new 72-minute documentary is ultimately all about the relationship between the now trio, once five-piece boyband, and their thousands of loyal fans across the UK.
ITV says it’s been created as a “companion piece” to the new feature film Greatest Days – which is set to hit cinemas nationwide this Friday (16 June).
ITV releases new Take That documentary looking back on 30 years of iconic boyband / Credit: Take That (via Instagram)
The new documentary not only features the challenges the band, directors, and creative team faced to bring Greatest Days to the big screen, but also “shines a light on the mutual dedication built over three decades between the band and its fans”, and even sees band members Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, and Donald Howard touch on topics they’ve either never or rarely discussed publicly before.
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The lads apparently talk openly about their 2012 tax evasion scandal, regrets over how former bandmate Robbie Williams left the group to launch his solo career, and will finally discuss the reason for Jason Orange’s departure in 2014.
Gary, Mark, and Howard are joined by a “massive ensemble cast” for the documentary – including famous Take That enthusiasts Alesha Dixon, Mel and Sue, Calum Scott, and more.
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"This is representing all the work we've done for thirty years" 😭
— Official Greatest Days Movie (@greatestdaysuk) June 11, 2023
Producers say the new Greatest Days film “captures the joy of being a lifelong music fan”, and ITV adds in a description on its website: “From Take That’s 90s boy band fame, to its shocking breakup, its triumphant comeback in the 00s, and beyond, the band’s highs and lows are reflected in evolving friendships.”
The new documentary, on the other hand, “juxtaposes the story of the production, pandemic lockdowns, challenging shooting locations, and critical casting decisions, with the story of how Take That fans have followed the band throughout the years.”
Take That: 30 Years in the Making is now available to stream across the UK, and you can head over to the ITVX website to watch it here.
Featured Image – Take That (via Twitter)
TV & Showbiz
A live concert version of The Muppet Christmas Carol is coming to Manchester
Danny Jones
We know it’s not even the summer yet, but we’re about to drop the C word, because a live concert version of The Muppet Christmas Carol is coming to Manchester.
An all-time classic, adored by children and adults alike, Disney’s Muppet Christmas Carol is arguably one of the best seasonal watches of all time.
Set to be hosted right here in the city centre at one of the most magnificent entertainment venues, the much-loved, festive and musical will be celebrated in its true glory, courtesy of a full orchestra.
It isn’t the first time special screenings of this family-friendly favourite have been held here in Manchester – nor is it the first time the UK has been treated to this particular tour – but if you haven’t tried a Disney Concerts experience before, this is an ideal opportunity.
Announcing not one but two dates at the beautiful Bridgewater Hall, The Muppets’ twist on the legendary Charles Dickens tale, which will see the visuals brought to life with the backing of strings, brass, percussion – the whole shebang.
If you’ve ever been to see one of these ‘live in concert’ type shows, you’ll know how magical they can make rewatching even something you’ve seen countless times before.
With Disney Music Group’s regular troupe of touring players taking on the original score and well-known soundtrack, you won’t be able to help but sing back every word.
Originally composed by Miles Goodman (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Little Shop of Horrors), along with songs by Oscar, Emmy, and Grammy-winning songwriter, Paul Williams (Rainbow Connection and Evergreen), there’s a reason the sound of this film, specifically, has stuck with so many people.
Just imagine this on the big screen as all the instruments kick in right then and there, in the flesh…
Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert – 2026 UK tour dates
We’ve also highlighted some other Northern options for you:
28 November – London Eventim Apollo
29 November – Poole Lighthouse
1 December – Bradford Live
2 December – Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
3 December – Edinburgh Usher Hall
4 December – Nottingham Royal Concert Hall
5 December – Southend Cliffs Pavilion
7 December – Manchester Bridgewater Hall
8 December – Birmingham Symphony Hall
9 December – Birmingham Symphony Hall
10 December – Sheffield City Hall
11 December – Bath Forum
13 December – Brighton Centre
14 December – Portsmouth Guildhall
17 December – Manchester Bridgwater Hall
With performances booked for 7pm on 7 December and the same time on 17 December, Members’ pre-sale goes live this coming Thursday, 23 April at 10am.
As for general admission, tickets will be available from the same time on Friday, 24 April; you can get ready to grab yours HERE.
It’s not the only big Christmassy concert coming to town this year.
UK’s biggest property show is coming to Manchester and needs house hunters for new series
Emily Sergeant
Are you looking to move but finding the house hunting process a lot harder than you thought it would be?
Well, this could be the helping hand you need.
The UK’s biggest property show, Location, Location, Location – which has been a fixture in Channel 4’s schedule for more than 20 years at this point – is looking for house hunters from across Manchester for the new series.
First airing all the way back in 2000, if you’ve never seen Location, Location, Location, it’s fronted by presenters and property experts Kirstie Allsopp and Phil Spencer who head all across the UK to help buyers in search for their dream home.
Despite being on our TV screens for 26 years at this point, Kirstie and Phil have never tired in their efforts to match the nation’s hopeful house hunters with their perfect home.
For its next series being filmed this May, Channel 4 are now looking for individuals, families, and couples from Greater Manchester who need Kirstie and Phil’s expertise to find their next home.
The UK’s biggest property show is coming to Manchester and needs house hunters for its new series / Credit: James Feaver (via Unsplash)
Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, first timer buyers, or looking for a forever home, Channel 4 wants to hear from you.
“We are casting for the new series, and we are interested in hearing from chain free (or SSTC) house hunters who would be ready to buy in May this year,” a spokesperson for Channel 4 said as the casting call was announced.
“Applications are now open and we’re looking for individuals, families and couples who need Kirstie and Phil’s expertise to buy their dream home.”