The group, led by Suggs, are back in the studio working on a new single and album. It is the first time the original line-up has worked together for 15 years.

The group have staged regular reunion shows throughout the 1990s in Finsbury Park, London, but this is the first time they have reformed to work on new songs.

Popular in early 1980s

They were one of Britain's most popular bands in the early 1980s, and are best known for hits like House Of Fun and Baggy Trousers. They had 22 Top 20 hits between 1979 and 1987.

But their appeal faded during the mid-80s and the group split in 1986, reforming as a quartet called The Madness, which itself split shortly after releasing one album.

Frontman Suggs - real name Graham McPherson - went on to develop a TV career during the 1990s - presenting Channel 5's karaoke show Night Fever - and had his own solo hits with I'm Only Sleeping and Cecilia.

Of the others, drummer "Woody" Woodgate found success with Voice of The Beehive, while saxophonist Lee Thompson and guitarist Chris Foreman formed The Nutty Boys.

Tribute bands still popular

The rest of the core seven are vocalist Cathal "Chas" Smyth, bassist Mark Bedford and pianist Mike Barson, the first to leave the group in 1983.

Although the group were at their peak in the early 1980s, Madness tribute bands still pack out clubs across the country every weekend, and the Finsbury Park "Madstock" shows have become an established part of the festival calendar.

Madness are now working with producers Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley, who worked on most of their original records.