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Pet Shop Boys have been confirmed as the main support for Take That's record-breaking summer Progress tour.

Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe will join the reformed boy band for the series of gigs starting on 27 May in Sunderland.

Pet Shop Boys said: "We look forward to every night being a huge celebration of pop music."

In a statement Robbie Williams said he was a "huge" fan of the band adding, "for me it will be an absolute joy to be able to watch them every night".

Take That have been long-term admirers of the dance duo.

Gary Barlow said: "Pet Shop Boys was the first CD I ever bought.

"I've followed their whole career and always loved their unique approach to records and live performance.

"That combined with two lovely people means we're in for a great tour."

The biggest ever UK tour, it's the first time the original five members of Take That have toured together since 1995.

With a total of 1.34 million tickets snapped up for the shows, the run finishes with eight sold out night at London's Wembley Stadium.