Robbie Williams has reached out to a once-unlikely source for an honest opinion of his new album - his old Take That "sworn enemy" Gary Barlow.

For the Robster has just entertained Gary to a weekend of male bonding at his LA home to ask him if his Reality Killed The Video Star needed a tweak.
With its November release fast approaching, a source tells us: "With so much riding on Robbie's comeback, he knew Gary would tell him the truth."

Now the renewed friendship should make it easier for 1995 band-quitter Rob to tour once more with Gary, Mark Owen, Jason Orange and Howard Donald.

Before Take That hit the studio for their next album, Jason said at a launch for Beverley Knight's fab 100% album out today: "We really hope he rejoins us."