The group, one of the most successful in history, has enjoyed continued fame since breaking up in 1982, thanks to tribute bands mimicking their satin outfits and easy-listening music and lyrics. They attracted new fans recently with the musical "Mamma Mia!" which was turned into a film.

But they have persistently shunned the chance to regroup, turning down as much as 1 billion dollars to tour again in 2000. However Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus told The Times newspaper that an intimate one-off performance that could be screened around the world could be a possibility. "Yeah, why not?" said Andersson, who now owns a farm where he breeds horses.

"I don't know if the girls sing anything any more," he added. "I know Frida was in the studio." He added later: "It's not a bad idea, actually."