Take That! Gwyneth Paltrow and Kimberley Walsh out-Shine other guests in figure-hugging dresses at Gary Barlow's 40th

By JODY THOMPSON

Tight fit: Girls Aloud star Kimberley Walsh and Gwyneth Paltrow wore skintight dresses to Gary Barlow's birthday gig at London's O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire


Gary Barlow celebrated his milestone 40th birthday last night with an intimate gig for charity - but the spotlight was stolen from him somewhat by some of his guests.

Attention was temporarily switched from the Take That mainman when Gwyneth Paltrow, 38, and Kimberley Walsh, 29, both turned up in stunning figure-hugging dresses that showed off every inch of their curves.

They'd arrived just in time for the celebrations, which saw the singer-songwriter play songs spanning his 20-year career at London's O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire, with all profits from the bash going to a good cause.


Man of the moment: Gary Barlow played the gig for charity on the night of his 40th birthday


Gwyneth was wearing an off-the-shoulder taupe-coloured gown with matching sandals, whereas Girls Aloud star Kimberley was in a black floor length sheath dress, with a leather biker jacket and black stilettos.

Gary performed duets with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and Ellie Goulding, and was also joined onstage by his Take That bandmates Mark Owen, Howard Donald and Jason Orange, as previous collaborator Lulu looked on.

However, there was no sign of Robbie Williams - just a day after Gary said he still considered his man band as a four-piece, despite that fact that the Angels star rejoined last year.


Duets: Gary performed with Take That bandmate Mark Owen at his birthday live bash


Let it shine: Gary performed a host of Take That's greatest hits at the gig, with all proceeds going to charity


Nobody else: Gary was also joined on stage by Mr Gwyneth Paltrow, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin


But Robbie did send a video message from his home in Los Angeles - which also contained something of a surprise for the onlooking guests.

The singer appeared in front of the camera naked with his manhood apparently hidden between his legs as he talked about the forthcoming Take That tour.

Robbie said: 'I just want to put your mind at rest about the tour as I know you're a little bit worried. But I'm going to be absolutely fine, buds. I'm on meds.'

He added: 'I'm very, very proud to call you my friend.'


And party: Take That's Howard Donald was also at the party along with the band's former collaborator Lulu


Beautiful world: Supermodel Claudia Schiffer was also at the bash, as was Strictly judge Alesha Dixon, despite being on crutches


Gary had made the 'four-piece' comment, meaning he saw the reunion as only temporary, yesterday on Radio 2.

Just six months after Take That delighted fans with the news that Robbie Williams was rejoining the band, Gary Barlow has warned it may not be permanent.

After years of both sides denying they would reunite as five-piece, the solo star joined the group last July, releasing a new album and planning a sell-out UK tour.
Gary said: 'He said: 'I think even moving forward, I know we’re back with Rob right now, but we still see our future as a four-piece band.

'We see Take That as a four-piece band in general.'

However, after last night's gig, he told the Mail: 'Basically this is a very extraordinary situation. We've got three acts there.

'Take That are a four piece band, we can exist and be successful as a four piece band. We don't know where that is going at the moment. And then we've got Robbie Williams.

'He loves being in the band, and when he gets time off he goes and does his own solo shows. He loves that too.'


Lads' night out: Jason Donovan had turned up to support his pal as had comedian David Walliams


Other guests at the bash included Claudia Schiffer, Jason Donovan, David Walliams, Peter Kay and The One Show's Alex Jones, who had most definitely dressed down for the occasion in jeans and plimsolls.

However, not everyone could be there.

Denise Van Outen posted on her Twitter page: 'Gutted I'm missing Gary Barlows birthday bash. Couldn't get the night off Legally Blonde to be there. Sorry Gary! X'


Everything changes: A gaunt looking Jason Orange was also at the do, as was a dressed down One Show presenter Alex Jones


Gary finished the evening with a hattrick of Take That favourites - Patience, Never Forget and Rule The World - before leaving the stage saying to the thrilled audience: 'Thank you so much for making my birthday so special.'

Take That meanwhile recently confirmed that the next single from their album Progress will be Kidz.

It's released on 28 February. The band's record-breaking sell-out UK tour meanwhile kicks off on 27 May at the Sunderland Stadium Of Light.


GB40 - Gary Barlow's 40th Birthday. Shine


source: dailymail