Tally Bookbinder, who worked as Take That's personal make-up artist from 1994 to 1996, has revealed an unexpected moment with Mark Owen. After returning from a trial trip to Italy, Owen offered to give her a lift home and asked to use her toilet. The next morning, Tally's sister said she thought she heard Mark Owen's voice in the night, and Tally confirmed it was him.
Bookbinder, from Manchester, described her two years with the band as the most 'mind-blowing and incredible' of her life. She accompanied Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, Jason Orange, Howard Donald and Robbie Williams on photoshoots, tour dates and TV appearances across Europe, witnessing their meteoric rise to fame.
She recalled the intense fan frenzy, particularly in Italy, where girls would throw themselves in front of their cars. Despite the chaos, she said the boys had no egos and were 'heartthrobs' who didn't see themselves that way. Her make-up chair became a safe space where they could relax and confide in her.
Bookbinder also shared a humorous anecdote about fans asking for used make-up sponges and tissues that had touched the band members. She described the demanding schedule, with daily faxes listing multiple TV shows, recordings, and interviews across Europe, leaving the band exhausted.
