Take That's Howard Donald had to battle for respect as a DJ - because people thought he'd play the band's hits.

The singer, who has taken to the decks at some of the world's biggest nightclubs, including Ministry of Sound and Eden, said things have changed since he's built up his career as a DJ on the side of touring with band mates Gary Barlow, Jason Orange, Mark Owen and Robbie Williams.

Howard said: ''This has always been a constant battle, not so much these days because I think people have now started to accept that I'm not going to turn up and play Take That greatest hits.

''But occasionally it makes it hard or people want to book me for the wrong reasons.''

Ahead of his DJ set at Gatecrasher Birmingham on tomorrow (07.12.13), Howard was asked if he still has a ''blue-rinse brigade'' follow him at DJ gigs.

He replied: ''There are a number of fans that follow me DJing everywhere, but isn't this the same for most DJs?

''Young or old, as long as they appreciate what you do as a DJ, does it matter?''

The 45-year-old star, who released his own EDM track 'Going Home' a few years, said he'd liked to record more of his own dance music.

He added: ''I keep having a little go in the studio, in fact I made a rework of Kidz with my old friend Micky Slim that I play in most of my sets.

''It's something I will always keep coming back to for sure.''