Children In Need Rocks BBC1, 8pm

"TONIGHT, for the first time, I want to introduce an old friend. Please welcome Robbie Williams."

Thus spoke Gary Barlow as Take That and Robbie shared a stage for the first time in 14 years. OK, it only lasted 57 seconds but it was a start.

He did later join his old bandmates, but only as part of a 'supergroup' including Sir Paul McCartney, Leona Lewis and Lily Allen as they sang Hey Jude.

"The reunion's not happening tonight," said Robbie, pictured, afterwards. "But the ball is rolling."

Also on the star-studded bill are Dizzee Rascal, Dame Shirley Bassey, Leona Lewis, Paolo Nutini, Mika, Snow Patrol, Cheryl Cole, Katherine Jenkins, and Muse.

"It's fantastic to be able to kick off Children In Need 2009 in such a special way," said Gary Barlow who has shown unwavering support for the charity in recent years.

"I've always wanted to do something like this and I can promise a night to remember – a night that will, I hope, play a small part in changing the lives of disadvantaged children."