Take That's 'Circus Tour' 2026: Have any performers returned from the original tour?

Take That's 'The Circus Live' tour back in 2009 broke records when tickets went on sale, becoming the fastest-selling tour in UK history. Fans were so desperate to go to the shows that all 600,000 tickets across eight shows sold out in just five hours.

And no wonder - Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, Howard Donald and former member Jason Orange went to great lengths to ensure people got their money's worth. Yes, the band put on the show of their lives, performing their biggest and best hits, but they also made it a real spectacle with circus performers, breathtaking staging and even an animatronic elephant.

So it's no surprise that when they decided to bring it back for another round in 2026, fans jumped at the chance - and so the band (without Jason) embarked upon 'The Circus Live – Summer 2026', performing 17 shows across May, June and July with a few left to go.

But with a show as beloved as this, many fans have been left wondering whether any of the original performers have gone back on the road with Take That - and if you saw it both times, you might be wondering if you've recognised any of the key performers.

Ahead of the Manchester show being live streamed this weekend, here's a list of people we know have returned to make the incredible two-hour show happen...

READ MORE: Look through Take That's epic 'The Circus Live' Tour setlist

Which performers have returned to Take That's 'Circus Tour'?

Lizzie Gough - The bubbles clown

One of the most recognisable returning performers to 'The Circus Tour' is Lizzie Gough, who is one of the first people on the stage. She kicks off the show by blowing bubbles at the audience and is an integral character throughout - and additionally took on the role of assistant to choreographer Adrian Gas.

She wrote on Instagram of returning to the show: '🎪 When the legend that is the one and only kimgavin8 asked me to reprise the role I played 17 years ago for takethat The Circus Live 🫧 how could I resist. As a performer this was one of my first ever big jobs plus to open the show was even more of a core memory.

'This time round I get to assist my beautiful friend - the epic adriangas on this beast of a show which has been and absolute joy and I have giggled and learnt so much from being by Kim and Adrian’s side!!

'I’m incredibly proud and in awe of an every single person on this show from all the Performers to Production, Crew to Catering the wonderful Wardrobe, Stage mangers, Sound, SFX, Riggers, Art department , Carpenters, Projection and Screens, Video, Lighting and of course the Creative team plus everyone else in between that brings this show to life.

'And of course markowenofficial howarddonald officialgarybarlow - the most hardworking and beautiful artists!! 🎪.' (sic)

Joe Dieffenbacher - The hot air balloon clown

Another recognisable returner is Joe Dieffenbacher, who performs as the ringmaster. He's the clown who - weather-permitting - goes up in the hot air balloon and comes out on stage dressed as a... Balloon!

He performed in the same role on the original tour, and wrote on Instagram before the 2026 iteration kicked off: 'Spent the Winter and the Spring chilling in our garden. Soon I'll run off with the Circus and Take That. Yikes! Very soon my life is going to change drastically. Returning to a tour I first did in 2009.

'Watching the DVD of the show ... what an epic spectacle! A truly magical display of tech wizardry, incredible circus artists, and the music of Take That. Gonna savour every moment of this one 💖🎈💥🎪.' (sic)

Once the tour had started, he posted: 'Opening night in Southampton, UK with Take That-The Circus Tour 2026. Directed by the ever brilliant Kim Gavin. So many talented artists - dancers, acrobats, teeter boarders, bungee jumpers, trampoliners, hula hoopers, roller skaters, high wire walkers, hair hangers, German wheelers, an Italian fire god 🔥even an elephant.

'Celebrating the music and magic of Take That. So blessed to be a part of this, on stage and on the big screen.' (sic)

Briony Albert - The elephant's tail

One of the most jaw-dropping moments of the whole show is when Take That emerge from a hole in the ground of the B-stage on the back of a mechanical elephant while singing 'The Garden'. The elephant then "walks" down the connecting path to the main stage, tail and ears flicking as it goes.

It's easy to lose yourself in the moment and forget it's not actually a real elephant, and that's down to the fact that there are people performing as the elephant's ears and tail, swishing about.

Briony Albert, a dancer and choreographer, first took up the role as the elephant's tail (what a job title) for the 2009 tour, and returned for 2026. She wrote about the experience on Instagram: '2.5 years ago, takethat creative director Kim Gavin told me that The Circus Tour was coming back. (I performed in the first Circus Tour 17 years ago).

'He asked me if I’d be willing to do my reprise of the tail of the elephant again. Fast forward to today- and here I am on the tour bus up to Newcastle, so glad that I chose to say yes. I’m working with the most amazingly, talented people who give it their all each night.

'I’m loving the opportunity to step into the role of a dancer one more time. My body feels strong and there is so much to learn from everyone around me. Big thank you to takethat my 5th tour with them. howarddonald markowenofficial officialgarybarlow - the kindest men in showbiz and the reason why this show has been received so incredibly. You kill it every night!🔥🔥🔥.' (sic)

Briony also performed as a backing dancer throughout the show, and again shared a few clips of herself dancing alongside the boys in the song 'Do What U Like'.

Adrian Gas - Choreographer

Having previously performed on the stage in the show for the 2009 tour, Adrian returned to the production as choreographer in 2026. He shared a sentimental post on Instagram about the pivotal experience: 'I’ve had a very special few months sharing the studio with this amazing team.

'It’s certainly been a full-circle moment, reliving the 🎪 Take That Circus Tour 17 years later. Experiencing it from my position has been everything I could have asked for. I’ve been an emotional wreck these last few days 🤣.

'I truly love what I do, and it wouldn’t be possible without surrounding myself with such wonderful talent and souls. Thank you, team! Thank you takethat and thank you kimgavin8 for letting me be part of your genius creative vision. ❤️' (sic)

If you're going to see Take That's 'The Circus Tour' on one of the remaining dates, we know you'll absolutely love it!