Kevin Richardson Rejoined The Backstreet Boys

Kevin Richardson rejoined the Backstreet Boys for a special fan tribute on The Oprah Winfrey Show on Thursday.

The singer quit the band in June 2006 to pursue an acting career, but he was never replaced. After touring the world as Billy Flynn in stage musical Chicago, he rejoined the Backstreet Boys for the encore on the final night of the grown-up boy band's Unbreakable Tour in 2008.

He reunited with his four bandmates again for the 4 November episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show - to thank the group's fans for their undying support. He said, "I love these guys."

He also joined his former bandmates for a pre-taped segment in which they surprised a fan arriving at Chicago, Illinois' O'Hare Airport and performed the band's hit I Want It That Way.

It is not known if Richardson will be part of the band's 2011 summer tour with New Kids on The Block.