Gary Barlow says he sent around topless photos of himself in an effort to land a record deal.

The singer joined Take That in 1990 after impressing Nigel Martin-Smith, who put the group together.

However, in a new documentary called When Corden Met Barlow, the Brit revealed that he tried to win over industry types in the early days with topless images.

Barlow said: "I sent out a tape and lots of photos to lots of managers. This is what came to the office. Look at that!"

Martin-Smith added: "How could I refuse? It looks like Annie Lennox but I knew he could be hot property."

The manager meanwhile said that Mark Owen was originally set to be Take That's lead member before Barlow's vocal prowess took over.

He added: "It was going to be a completely different band until Gary came along."

When Corden Met Barlow is due to air in the UK on BBC One on May 5.

Watch Take That in their early days below: