Take That's plane struck by lighting

(Getty)

Take That were saved by a quick-thinking pilot after their plane was struck by lightning.

The British group - which is comprised of Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, Robbie Williams, Jason Orange and Howard Donald - were flying to Milan for the first non-UK date of their 'Progress Live' tour last night when the bolt hit the aircraft.

A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "The plane took off fairly normally, though we knew there was bad weather ahead, but mid-way during the flight the turbulence was really quite frightening. Then suddenly, there was a bright flash, and the plane had obviously been struck by lightning. The pilot had to make an announcement and reassure the passengers that everything was all right."

While the incident most likely wouldn't have affected Howard who recently bought his own sea plane, bandmate Gary is likely to have been left shaken by the near miss after recently confessing he is terrified of flying. Asked what super power he would love to have, Gary said: "Flying for me, because it means I wouldn't have to go on a plane again. I don't like planes, not a fan."