Deirdre Reynolds: ‘Life seems to be better for high-towers like Gary Barlow’s son’

The son of Take That frontman Gary Barlow became a viral meme this week for his soaring stature. A family snap shared by the proud dad on social media appeared to show the 24-year-old towering over the rest of his clan, to the point where fans wondered if it was an optical illusion.

In a week where many of us felt there was little to celebrate, the widely-shared gags about the vast height difference between the 5ft 7ins crooner and his 6ft 2ins eldest child was the sort of light relief the world needed.

But the fuss also fuelled my long-held suspicion, which has been backed by science, that tall people reach greater heights in life than fellow low riders in more ways than one.

Despite sensibly shunning the limelight to study to become a doctor, anti-nepo baby Daniel has now been tipped for big things after accidently finding internet fame.

Can he sing? Can he dance?

Who cares when he can change a light bulb without a ladder, with brand and culture expert Nick Ede even telling one British paper during the week that, “with his good looks and great body”, he could make millions as a model or reality TV star.

At 5ft 2ins, you might think I’m being paranoid; however, research supports the fact that tall people may be more intelligent, get paid more and be seen as more confident than shortstops. research.

It’s hard to command respect when you have to ask for help to reach the top shelf in SuperValu or pay The Zip Yard to take your trousers up, and I suspect it’s harder for micro men.

Furthermore, studies show that high towers may have a lower risk of heart disease, and are less likely to have dementia – sure it’s no wonder that the research found they’re happier too.

There’s a suitably long list of celebrity examples of tall people being more successful in life.

Take Taylor Swift and boyfriend, Travis Kelce: one a billionaire pop icon and the other a record-smashing sports star, who together, measure a dizzying 12ft 4ins tall.

Or 6ft 4ins Clint Eastwood (94), unbowed by old age, whose 40th film, Juror No 2, is currently in cinemas.

Or, for the week that’s in it, US president-elect Donald Trump (6ft 3ins) and his positively sky-scraping youngest son, Barron (6ft 7ins), who is said to have played a big part in his old man’s historic political comeback, and who already has rabid Republicans saying they can’t wait to also vote the 18-year-old into the White House down the line.

Of course there are exceptions to the rule, not least our own pocket-sized president, Michael D Higgins.

And you could argue that being two inches shorter than the average British man didn’t exactly do singer Gary any harm either.

In any event, whether he pursues a career in medicine or modelling, Daniel’s dad is sure to feel ten feet tall.