On Wednesday 19 January, Gary Barlow will join Chris Evans live on the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show ahead of a special concert to mark his 40th birthday on Thursday at the O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire, in West London, which will be broadcast live on Radio 2. 

His exclusive appearance on Chris Evans' show, from 8-9am, will be streamed live on the Radio 2 website so listeners can also watch the great man in person.

Chris Evans said: "Gary is a star, a musical genius and a gentleman and we can't wait to help him celebrate this milestone birthday on the Radio 2 Breakfast show. Happy birthday Gary!"

Gary will be chatting to the Breakfast team as well as judging Head To Headlines and making the tea! And, as a birthday treat, Chris will be playing some of Gary's favourite songs.

The birthday concert – GB40 – will be broadcast live on Radio 2 In Concert on Thursday 20 January, from 8-10pm, giving listeners the opportunity to share in his 40th birthday celebrations.

Friends, family and fans will see Gary perform songs that span his fantastic 20 year career in a small and intimate setting.

The live concert, hosted on air by Jo Whiley, will see him take to the stage on his own for the first time in over 11 years to perform songs from his successful career as one of the UK's most distinguished singer/songwriters.

He will be backed by a band made up of close friends and acquaintances he's met along the way, helping make it a night to remember, with profits from the night going to charity.