Gary Barlow says Simon Cowell is "gutted" he didn't sign Take That.

The 38-year-old singer denied reports the music mogul told the British group - comprising at the time Gary, Robbie Williams, Mark Owen, Howard Donald and Jason Orange - to "sack the fat one" if they wanted to work with him.

Gary, who has battled weight problems in the past, said: "No, Simon didn't say that. I can see it's a great story and he gets quoted saying it but I've asked him and it's not true. He pointed us towards RCA. And you know what? I think he's gutted he did that."

The singer has also opened up about the demise of the band in the 90s, revealing he was so hurt by negative comments he hated telling people who he was.

Gary - who has enjoyed chart success since the band reformed in 2005 minus Robbie - added to Q magazine: "I was really embarrassed to use my credit card over the phone because when I said 'Gary Barlow' people would just laugh or sneer. Not a good experience at all."