Take That's triumphant return inspired this comeback from their Irish rivals, who split eight years ago and then veered into acrimony.

Boyzone always seemed amiable and a bit amateurish in their early days but this was a surprisingly successful Wembley spectacular. And the Irish charm and number ones drew in thousands to three London arena shows over the weekend.

Given that the audience was made up of screaming young women, it seemed baffling that eight girl dancers in skimpy outfits featured from the opening Picture of You, although the band didn't deviate from their perfect harmonies even when the ladies mounted them mid-song.

Perhaps manager Louis Walsh wanted some sexual chemistry on stage to distract from the fact these are now men in their 30s who are married or, in Stephen Gately's case, in a civil partnership.

Still, the dancers did bring some energetic glamour to the evening, especially when they joined the lads for a hugely enjoyable medley of Michael Jackson songs, complete with Jacko-style white gloves.

"I really missed these four guys a lot," said Gately, and they seemed genuinely heartfelt on hits including Words and Love me for a Reason.

A more mature sounding new song suggested this comeback will continue.

They also got a young fan on stage, who gushed that Ronan Keating - now a little more rugged - was her favourite.

He was certainly the group's star, although Walsh ensured that Boyzone are all in prime condition.

Their gym-toned torsos were even exposed during an outrageous cover of Billy Ocean's When the Going Gets Tough, which involved the group leaping around on treadmills then slapping the nearest dancer's backside.

It wasn't the most edifying moment but Boyzone were certainly willing to embrace the sort of over-the-top nonsense that makes for an entertaining show rather than just a predictable trawl of old hits.

When they appeared above the audience in white suits on a moving platform for the encore of No Matter What, the cheesiness was perhaps a bit overpowering.

But as the fans screamed even louder, it was clear that cheesy is what Boyzone do best.