There's a new Take That in town - sort of. First look pictures show up and coming actors taking on the roles of the famous five-piece - Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Mark Owen, Robbie Williams, and Jason Orange - for a brand new musical film.
Greatest Days is set to be based on the Manchester group's jukebox musical The Band, which made its world premiere at the Manchester Opera House in September 2017, before embarking on a UK and Ireland tour and appearing at Theatre Royal Haymarket at London's West End in December 2018.
Take That's remaining three members, Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen released a statement about news of the film, by Calendar Girls writer Tim Firth, back in April 2020. The story will follow five best friends who have the night of their lives while at the concert of their favourite boy band. The group then reunite after 25 years, reminiscing on their past as they go down life's different paths.
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Gary, Howard and Mark said at the time: "Greatest Days is a film dedicated to all those who have supported us throughout the years. It puts a mirror on our audience – it's a celebration of our music but it's literally all about the fans and their friendships.
"Our fans have been on a 30-year journey with us and we have an incredibly strong bond with them, so seeing that they will be represented on screen by such a strong, talented cast is incredibly exciting."
The band will be played by newcomers Aaron Bryan, Dalvin Cory, Joshua Jung, Mark Samaras and Mervin Noronha, while comedian and actress Aisling Bea has also been announced as part of the cast alongside Jayde Adams, Lara McDonnell, Jessie Mae Alonzo, Nandi Hudson, Carragon Guest and Eliza Dobson.
When her casting was announced last month, Aisling said that after two years of the pandemic, she was "ready to Relight My Fire and get singing and dancing in this feel-good joy fest of a movie".
"I have long waited for Take That to know who I am. I’ve played the long game, but I feel like I am now so close," she added. My dream is for them to ask me to sing the Lulu solo on stage, so I hope they read this quote and take THAT into consideration."
At the time casting was announced Take That said: "This is a really exciting time for us! We're really looking forward to working with such a talented and creative team on the film and we're absolutely delighted to have such a brilliant cast on board!"
It was reported that rehearsals began earlier this year and now it appears filming has begun with the cast spotted filming in Clitheroe, Lancashire.
And it appeared they were having a lot of fun during filming as they were snapped shooting a wedding scene at a church alongside Aisling who looked stunning in a white, long-sleeved midi dress alongside Marc Wootton who was playing the groom in the movie as 'the band' excitedly bounded out of the church, rocking matching blue suits, before throwing confetti over the happy couple.
Irish star Aisling was also spotted keeping warm in a fluffy dressing gown between takes and keeping her hair shielded from the wet weather in a clear hair net.
Other scenes showed the group at a more sober affair, with 'the band' all wearing black suits and ties and were once again leaving a church.
The film is not expected to be released until 2023 but is expected to be shown in UK cinemas.
