THE boys are back – and so are their fans – albeit with a few more lines around the eyes.

It’s been eight years since Ronan, Mikey, Shane, Keith and Stephen were last on tour together, but they rolled back the years for a superb date in their reunion tour at Castle Howard on Saturday night.

Ronan told the crowd: “Somebody told me that if you guys scream loud enough then it won’t rain.”

And he wasn’t disappointed.

Despite a brief downpour when the support act – X-Factor rejects Hope – took to the stage, the weather held off as boys belted out hit after hit from their 1990s heyday, including Love Me For A Reason, Is It Any Wonder, Words, Father And Son and Baby Can I Hold You Tonight.

Keith Duffy told a crowd of more than 4,000 screaming fans: “We’re not getting any younger – and let’s face it neither are you – but thank you for making us feel 10 years younger tonight.”

The feeling was mutual, as Boyzone transported girls and guys alike back to their teenage years.

An unexpected medley of Michael Jackson hits Bad, Billy Jean, Black Or White and The Way You Make Me Feel also proved popular with the crowd.

Long-suffering boyfriends (mine included) ogled a bevy of scantily-clad backing dancers, while their Lambrini-drinking girlfriends, clad in pink cowboy hats, screamed their adoration for the surprisingly toned band members.

The only people who seemed to be enjoying themselves more were Boyzone themselves, who openly revelled in their return to the stage with infectious enthusiasm.