He may have sang about lighting up the sky with boy band Take That in their hit 'Rule The World' but Gary Barlow probably never intended to do such things literally. Now it seems The X Factor judge is one step closer to that goal after he offered to perform at the Blackpool Illuminations switch-on ceremony on Friday (30th Aug).

Gary Barlow
Will Gary & The Take That Boys Be Able To Illuminate Blackpool?

The Script had originally been scheduled to perform alongside Eliza Doolittle and Madness but Danny Donoghue's band were forced to pull out due to a "serious family illness." Upon the news that The Script could no longer play at the event, Take That's Gary offered to step in, offering his band's services via Twitter. "I hear Blackpool are looking for someone to switch the lights on this year? If they'd write a cheque to Children in need I'd do it?," he wrote.

Gary Barlow X Factor
Gary Could Well Become Part Of The Iconic Event If All Goes Well.

Chatshow host and television personality Jonathan Ross, who's switching on the lights at the end of the evening, tweeted back to Gary to offer him singing support. "They need someone to sing. Shall we finally unveil our version of the Pet Shop Boys? The Chip Shop Boys has a ring to it," he joked, referencing Blackpool's famed chip shops.


"Should know by midday if we can hit Blackpool tomorrow night ! Rounding up my live band, technicians, production," tweeted Gary this morning, showing that he really had set the gears in motion to be one of the acts to perform at the special yearly event.


However, Take That will need the all clear from the Illuminations organisers, Blackpool Council, and can't just strut on to the stage and start singing without their say-so. Simon Blackburn, leader of Blackpool Council, said: "He is one of the people we have spoken to. What I am sure of is by early this afternoon time we will have a show," according to BBC News.

Take That
Would You Like To See Take That Perform At Blackpool Illuminations?

Although Claire Smith, president of Stay Blackpool, described The Script's short-notice pull-out as a "nightmare," she did say that "It may well end up we are better than before" and that if would be "wonderful" if Gary and co. could come and save the day. Fans who'd booked tickets for the event can obtain a refund if they're disappointed that The Script won't be performing, however Eliza Doolittle and Madness are said to still be in.

Jonathan Ross
Jonathan Ross, Who's Switching On The Illuminations, Wants Take That Involved.

The Blackpool Illuminations, the annual Autumnal promenade of lights along Lancashire Ffylde, will take the exciting display to even bigger and better heights this year with the introduction of 3D Holographic technology and a quarter mile stretch of illuminated urban street art.