Take That broke UK records when they sold 1.1m tickets in less than 24 hours, after their Michael Jackson’s O2 Arena dates went on sale. BT was also affected – it said the phone network was three or four times busier than normal on Friday morning. At its peak, it’s thought 50 tickets were being sold every second.

Robbie, Gary, Mark, Howard and Jason released a joint statement thanking fans for their patience and expressing their surprise at the massive demand for tickets. “We are speechless, truly and utterly shocked. This is the most amazing news for all of us. To sell one million tickets in a day is mind blowing and we think we’ll be in shock for a few days!

“We want to thank everyone who has bought tickets today and look forward to seeing them next year.”

The Progess Live tour, Take That’s first gigs featuring Robbie Williamsin over 16 years, now encompasses 25 UK dates, including seven nights apiece at Wembley Stadium and the City of Manchester Stadium.

Progress Live 2011 Tour Dates:

Sunderland Stadium Of Light – May 30/31
Manchester City Of Manchester Stadium – June 3/4/5/7/8/10/11
Cardiff Millennium Stadium – 14/15
Dublin Croke Park – 18/19
Glasgow Hampden Park – 22/23/24
Birmingham Villa Park – 27/28
London Wembley Stadium – July 1/2/3/5/6/8/9