Eagles fly high with Take That on live TV show

Ascension Eagles soared to new heights in their success story as champion cheer leaders when they appeared on live Saturday night TV.

The troupe, based at the Ascension Church, Victoria Docks in east London appeared in the ITV 1 show an ‘Audience with . . . Take That’ in early December.

It was a memorable night for all involved as the show, the first in a new series, was screened live for the first time in its history.

Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, Jason Orange and Howard Donald performed a selection of their greatest hits and tracks from their new album. Then they answered questions from their celebrity-packed audience.

Take That reformed in 2005 and after 10 years out of the limelight announced a UK tour which sold out in minutes. Following the success of the tour and the public affection which continues to surround them, Take That have released a new single ‘Patience’ and a new album ‘Beautiful World’.

Take That's choreographer Kim Gavin worked with the Eagles to get them ready for their special performance.

Ascension Eagles choreographer Angela Brown said: It's been great to work with Kim. He came in and selected 21 of our older members. He wanted 15 to stunt and six to dance.

“We showed him some of our routines and he chose what he liked and then adapted it to fit the show.

The Saturday of the broadcast turned out to be a busy day as 90 of the Eagles members were competing in the Future Cheer Winter Wonderland event at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre in south London.

Angela added: “As soon as our senior co-ed team finished competing, they were whisked off to the ITV studios to get ready for an ‘Audience With . . . Take That’. The rest of the Eagles team stayed on to hear the results.

“Some of our Eagles parents say we do more in one year than they have in a lifetime. On days like that, you can totally believe it is true!”

Eagles members and supporters are working hard to raise the money needed  to boost their bid to represent England at the Cheerleading World Championships in April. London City Airport and The Royals Business Park have each pledged £1,000.

Additional support is needed to help the Eagles accept this coveted invitation to compete on the world stage. For more information, contact director@ascensioneagles.com.

Take That have donated a signed copy of their Ultimate Tour DVD to the Eagles to use in their ‘Text CHEER to 84424 & win prize give-away’. Everyone who texts will be making £1.50 donation (mobile charges vary) and will have their number entered to win the signed DVD, flights to Edinburgh or a signed West Ham football among the prizes on offer. The draw will take place in mid-January.

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