TAKE That chart star Gary Barlow is setting sail for two charity shows where he’s happy to admit he’ll be all at sea – because they’ll be on a cruise ship.

Taking time out between shows on Take That’s World tour, the 53-year-old singer-songwriter will play intimate gigs on P&O Cruises ship Iona as she sails to Spain and Portugal.

It will be the third year running that Gary will take to the stage of Headliners Theatre on board the ship in his role as Music Director of the late-night 710 Club on both Iona and sister ship Arvia.

He will perform on two 2024 round sailings from Southampton.

The first, departing on September 21, is a 14-night cruise calling in at Madeira, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Seville (from Cádiz) and Lisbon. It’s No G432 in the brochure.

He’ll follow it up with another 14-night cruise, leaving Southampton on October 5, visiting La Coruna, Vigo, Lisbon, Valencia, Barcelona and Seville (from Cádiz). That’s No G433 in the schedule.

Be warned, however, that space is limited so you’re not guaranteed a seat just because you booked the cruise. Admission to both shows will be via a raffle, with tickets priced £10 a shot.

The good news is that all proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Teenage Cancer Trust and  Child Bereavement UK, two charities the star holds close to his heart.

“I’m so proud to be P&O Cruises’ music director and I can’t wait to be back onboard Iona to put on two more nights of exclusive performances for guests,” says Gary.

“There’s something magical about sharing my passion for music with the guests onboard whilst fundraising for two incredible charities.”

The Headliners Theatre, with seating on two decks, is a much more intimate affair than the arenas and stadia where Take That will play for tens of thousands of fans on the world tour this year.

Raffle tickets offering the chance to win tickets can be bought for £10 per person on board and spaces are limited. Gary will not travel for the duration of each cruise.

For more information or to book, call P&O Cruises on 03453 555 111, visit pocruises.com or visit a travel agent.