Gary Barlow has revealed a Coldplay album inspired him to return to the stage.

The Take That star hadn’t sang for years after the collapse of his solo career, and he said he had no desire to make a comeback until he heard the band’s LP Parachutes.

"I spent years telling everyone around that I didn't want to be an artist again. I didn't sing for six or seven years,” he told The Sun.

"I seldom sang on demos and if I could get someone else to sing then I would, right until I heard the first Coldplay album. I realised that you could be in a rock band and not have a husky rasp - Chris [Martin] has the most beautiful voice. I thought for the first time, 'I could see myself doing that again'. For the first time in years I could see that place.”

He continued: "I was so inspired by that stuff. I used to play and sing it on my own. So when I came back I imagined that sound and the guitars and imagined the stadium sound of a Coldplay song. I thought that could work for us, especially as a vocal group as well. Obviously there are not usually many harmonies with Coldplay but I hear them and I could hear where they would fit. I thought that was very much a direction that could work for us."

Adele has revealed a man can woo her into bed just by making her laugh.

The British singer said that when it comes to men, she doesn’t care about looks or money. All she asks for is that he knows how to crack a joke.

She told The Sun: "I would like someone with humour. If they make me laugh, I'm in the bed. I really don't care how they are physically. For husband material it ranges from Leonardo DiCaprio to Zach Galifianakis. It really does vary that much. I like all sizes, it doesn't matter - if they make me laugh I am on it. I also like a man who can cook and someone who can be passionate for life. I like someone who really inspires me and I admire."

Anne Hathaway has revealed she is "grateful" to Kate Middleton for promoting ladylike style.

The actress admitted she is thrilled to see a more polished look coming back into fashion after failing to pull off the whole boho vibe.

"Can I tell you how grateful I am to Kate Middleton?" she told USA Today. "Because she is such an advocate for dressing like a lady. I think for a few years that kind of slightly dirty look was adopted by Hollywood - you know, the stringy hair, homeless thing. And I really tried. I was like, OK I'm going to give that a go. [But] it doesn't suit me, I don't suit it. I always looked kind of chubby. I'm just very grateful to Kate Middleton for making looking appropriate really fun again. So right now my fashion choices are all about Kate Middleton."