Gary Barlow says Sir Elton John has stuck by him ''through thick and thin''.

The 42-year-old star was delighted to have the opportunity to record with the legendary singer, who he insists has supported him through difficult periods in his life, on his latest track 'Face To Face' from his fourth solo album 'Since I Saw You Last'.

He told the Daily Star newspaper: ''Elton has stuck by me through thick and thin - I always hoped we would record together.

''It's a respect record with a good message.''

The pair bond over music but also share a close friendship and Elton enjoys showing Gary pictures of his sons two-year-old Zachary and 10-month-old Elijah - who he raises with partner David Furness.

He explained: ''We're always emailing each other about checking out records, and when we meet up he'll get his iPad out and show off pictures of his kids.''

Although Gary - who was catapulted into the spotlight in the 90's as part of boy band Take That - would be thrilled to top the charts with his new music he thinks he may be past it since he is a ''dinosaur'' in comparison to new bands like Bastille - who are ahead of Gary in the UK Singles Chart with 'Of The Night'

Gary added: ''I would be bloody made up to get to number two but would never have suggested it. We've had great songs like 'The Flood' and 'Rule The World' not get to number one.

''I was happy for Bastille getting to number two this week as they're a new band starting out and not a dinosaur like me.''