Pet Shop Boys confirmed to support Take That

The Pet Shop Boys will support Take That on their upcoming Progress Live tour, it has been announced.

The 'West End Girls' duo, Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, will perform a 40-minute set at the gigs and also join the 'Kidz' group on the European leg of the sold-out tour.

"We are delighted to accept Take That's ­invitation to be part of their Progress show and tour, which is undoubtedly going to be one of the most exciting events of 2011," they said. We look forward to every night being a huge celebration of pop music."

Meanwhile, Take That admitted that they were stunned to have their invitation accepted.

Jason Orange said: "I'm flattered and very happy they've agreed to do it. They're so talented, I thought they'd be above it and us."

His bandmate Robbie Williams added: "I'm a huge Pet Shop Boys fan so it will be an absolute joy to watch them every night."

Cheryl Cole and Tinie Tempah were both previously linked to the support slot.

The Progress Live tour kicks off in Sunderland on May 27.

> Take That triumph at German Echo Awards