Gary Barlow sent music industry bosses topless photos to land a record deal.

The 43-year-old singer has admitted he was so desperate to become famous as a teenager he sent out shirtless snaps to managers in a bid to get signed - and his efforts did the trick as he was snapped up by Nigel Martin-Smith to join Take That in 1990.

The 'Let Me Go' star was confronted with his embarrassing pictures by Nigel in new BBC One documentary, 'When Corden Met Barlow', with actor James Corden, and Gary explained: ''I sent out a tape and lots of photos to lots of managers. This is what came to the office. Look at that!''

Nigel added: ''How could I refuse? It looks like Annie Lennox but I knew he could be hot property.''

Meanwhile, the pop boss also revealed the band's line-up - which also consists of Mark Owen, Howard Donald, Jason Orange and Robbie William - could have looked significantly different as he originally intended Mark, 42, to be the frontman.

However, Gary won him over by proving his singing ability and songwriting skills.

Nigel said: ''It was going to be a completely different band until Gary came along.''