THE DAY I MET TAKE THAT!

Every TAKE THAT fan’s ambition is, of course, to meet the boys. Well, here’s someone who did - Laura Miller. Here she tells us about one of the best days of her life…

My ambition to meet Take That has taken me all over the country, including their home town of Manchester. I’ve been very close but not close enough to have a conversation. Like all TT fans I’ve been out in all weather conditions and at all hours, (mum permitting)!

It was another early start on May 25 when my fellow TT friends, Claire and Sharon, took me off on another TT adventure. We were heading for their hotel to see Gary off to collect his Ivor Novello awards. There was already a small group of fans waiting outside, hoping to get a glimpse of their heroes. As usual we stood around gossiping, and then…I turned round and couldn’t believe my eyes! Howard was walking outside the hotel entrance with his bodyguard, Paul, by his side!

He said hello to everyone and took us round the corner so we wouldn’t disturb the other guests. I had a couple of short conversations with him and he was really lovely and looked even better in the flesh!

When he had gone back into the hotel I was so amazed that I had actually spoken to Howard! I then realized that my camera case was missing but luckily Paul had picked it up. As I walked up to the hotel entrance to collect it, Gary appeared through the doors! Sharon and I wished him luck with his awards and he thanked us and came over for a quick chat. I was lucky to have my photo taken with Gary and I couldn’t believe that we had our arms around each other!

Two hours later Mark and Robbie returned from a shopping trip. I knew I had to be quick to catch them, so I sprinted up to the hotel entrance! I watched both Mark and Robbie get out of the taxi, and their hands were loaded with shopping bags. I didn’t know whether to approach them or not, I wasn’t sure whether they would want to be bothered, so I just stood there and took pictures.

I lowered my camera away from my face and Mark was standing right in front of me. I was stunned, but I stayed calm. Mark held on to my arm in a friendly way and said, "I’ve got to go now, but I’ll try to come out later to see you."

It may not have been what you call a conversation, but to have my favourite member of Take That approach me and touch my arm was just unbelievable! Mark was really nice, he didn’t have to come up to me, he could have easily ignored the fans and walked straight into the hotel.

About an hour later, Gary returned from the awards looking so proud and happy. He went into the hotel quickly and he obviously wanted to celebrate with the other boys. I felt so happy for Gary, it made me proud to be a Take That fan!

Much later, at about 10:30 pm, a taxi drove past with Jason and a friend inside. We kept our distance because we didn’t want to impose on him, as he had company. He got out of the taxi and was walking around outside the hotel on his own. We gave him a wave and he waved for us to go and join him. Some of the girls behind us didn’t realize Jason was there, so only a small group joined him. I was the first one to get his autograph and he asked how I was. He had so much time for the fans, and he came across as a very caring and considerate person.

When Jason had gone into the hotel we then decided to call it a day. All the way home in the car I was so happy. I couldn’t stop thinking about how lucky I was!

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