Take That's best ever songs - Top 30 as voted by fans in BBC Radio 2 countdown

The Nation's favourite Take That songs have been revealed - after fans voted in their thousands for the ultimate playlist by the Manchester-formed manband. A top 30 countdown on BBC Radio 2 on Sunday, January 1, will reveal exactly which of the band's songs received the most votes to be crowned the Ultimate Take That Song.

For the past month, Radio 2 listeners have been asked to vote for up to three of their favourite songs from Take That 's 75 UK chart singles. Now the online vote has revealed the ultimate fan playlist from the thousands of votes cast.

The full top 30 will be played in a special Take That countdown on Sunday from 1pm to 3pm hosted by Cat Deeley. But if you can't wait until then, we've got the full list if you keep reading below.

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And as for the song claiming the top spot? Perhaps unsurprisingly it was Take That anthem Never Forget that received the most votes.

The 1995 hit, which featured lead vocals from Howard Donald, is known for its special dance salute and tends to be the finale at most Take That live performances. The band - Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, Howard Donald, Jason Orange and Robbie Williams - first formed in Manchester back in 1990.

Back For Good was announced as the runner-up in second place, Rule the World in third place, with Shine in fourth, and Greatest Day in fifth place. It represents a mix of Take That's pop eras, from their original line-up, through to their comeback as a four-piece in 2005.

The programme will also include interviews with the band that will air today. It will then be available on BBC Sounds for 30 days from 3pm (Sunday 1 ^st January).

Talking about Never Forget, Mark Owen says it would "be up there" in his top 3 list. He says: "It’s the arms, it’s the story of the band, it’s always such a special moment when you see it with a crowd because everyone can join in and be a part of it. Howard sings beautifully on this, he does an amazing vocal on it.

Take That pictured in 2010 (Getty Images)

"It just all came together and it was one of the only times where we all sang a line each… it’s a majestic song and beautiful, from the boys choir from the start to the full gospel choir at the end. Never Forget is a journey, it is within the song and it has been for us in our lifetimes."

Gary Barlow talks about how the song developed. In the show he says: “[Never Forget] wasn’t born with this huge chorus the way it sounded on the single. Even the demo was quite laidback and it wasn’t until it went to Jim Steinman’s studio in New York that it started to get the drama of something that would end a concert.

"When it came back from him, I thought, ‘Well, there’s the encore right there’. I could see everyone in the audience singing this song… Within a couple of nights the crowd had got the hang of putting their arms in the air every time you sing a ‘Never’. That is pretty much how we perform it to this day.

"I don’t believe we’ve ever dared leave it out of a set list once. Why would you? It’s always a real pleasure to perform this song. I’m so glad that people, after all these years, still hold it so close to their hearts, so thank you everyone."

An early press photo of Take That (Mirrorpix)

Jeff Smith, Head of Music, Radio 2 and 6 Music, says: "Take That are one of Radio 2 listeners’ favourite bands, so we’re delighted to treat them to a New Year’s Day sing-along featuring hours of Take That classics, as well as interviews with the band."

The Top 30, as voted by Radio 2 listeners

1. Never Forget (Aug, 1995)
2. Back For Good (Apr, 1995)
3. Rule The World (Oct, 2007)
   
4. Shine (Feb, 2007)
5. Greatest Day (Dec, 2008)
6. A Million Love Songs (Oct, 1992)
7. Patience (Nov, 2006)
8. Pray (Jul, 1993)
9. The Flood (Nov, 2010)
10. Relight My Fire featuring Lulu (Oct, 1993)
11. Could It Be Magic (Dec, 1992)
12. Everything Changes (Apr, 1994)
13. It Only Takes A Minute (Jun, 1992)
14. Babe (Dec, 1993)
15. Said It All (Jun, 2009)
16. These Days (Dec, 2014)
17. How Deep Is Your Love (Mar, 1996)
18. Cry - Sigma feat. Take That (Jun, 2016)
19. Love Ain't Here Anymore (Jul, 1994)
20. Why Can't I Wake Up With You (Feb, 1993)
21. Giants (Mar, 2017)
22. Sure (Oct, 1994)
23. Kidz (Feb, 2011)
24. Up All Night (Feb 2009)
25. I Found Heaven (Aug, 1992)
26. I'd Wait For Life (Jun, 2007)
27. Love Love (May, 2011)
28. Once You've Tasted Love (Feb, 1992)
29. Promises (Nov, 1991)
30. Happy Now (Mar, 2011)