(breakingnews.iol.ie) - Thousands of Take That fans screamed with joy as the re-formed boy band kicked off the British leg of their hit tour last night. Having spent the last few weeks wowing fans in Europe, the foursome got the chance to delight the eager crowds in Birmingham. Addressing the 14,000 strong audience at the city's National Exhibition Centre, band member Mark Owen said: "It's good to be back on home soil." Gary Barlow added: "It's the first night back and the start of our tour in England. I think tonight is going to be a big night." Fans cheered as the group belted out hit songs from the past and present. Howard Donald danced energetically around the stage despite being admitted to hospital just a month ago with a chest injury, which caused him to pull out of a European performance. At the beginning of the concert he told the crowd: "I am going to partake in the dancing. I'm going to see how it holds out. I think it will be OK. The doctor said it should be OK. I am so happy to be back in the UK." Fans watched as flames were ignited around the stage as the group sang their popular song 'Relight My Fire' and walked across a metal bridge suspended above the audience. The Take That 'Beautiful World' Tour, which began in Belfast in October, continues in Birmingham until November 20. It will then move to Glasgow, Newcastle, London and end in Manchester on December 23.