Take That have opened up about former bandmate Jason Orange, who quit the band in 2014
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Robbie Williams and Mark Owen reunite for family meal
Take That have finally explained Jason Orange’s shocking departure from the group – who have been together on and off since the 90s – after confirming he won’t be returning.
The singer, 52, walked out in 2014 after saying he did not want to tour or record music with the Pray stars any longer. Fans were bereft when Jason left, but Gary Barlow, 52, Mark Owen, 51, and Howard Donald, 55, have continued to perform as a trio.
After much discussion about the reason for Jason’s exit, the band have insisted they’re still friends with the dancer, as they are with Robbie Williams, who quit in 1995.
“I think he felt he didn’t want to do it any more,” Mark explained of Jason’s decision to leave. “But I’m not going to speak for him.
“He’s still here anyway. The other day we were trying to work out who the best joke-teller in the band is and remembered how Jason always laughed before he got to the punchline,” he told The Times.
Frontman Gary was reportedly desperate for Jason to rejoin Take That and made pleas to talk him round. However, Jason has quit the limelight completely and now lives with his family in the Cotswolds.
Gary previously told The Sun: “Jason isn’t coming back. Take That is Mark, Howard and me for the next few years.”
In 2018, Howard revealed Jason had stopped responding to calls and appeared to have completely gone off the grid to live a more “normal life” in the countryside. Jason has gone off the grid. He’s not taking emails or phone calls or stuff like that. That’s good for him,” he told the Loose Women panel.
“That’s where he wants to be. I think he wants to be a million miles away from this at the moment.”
Take That fans half-hoped Mr Orange would rock up at the Coronation concert when they took to the stage in 2023 for one of the biggest gigs of their career. Gary, Mark and Howard performed together on stage for the first time in four years at the special event and wowed fans with tracks including Shine and Greatest Day before finishing off with Never Forget.
However, viewers were gutted when they realised Jason had been replaced by Britain’s Got Talent’s Calum Scott.
“Now would be a great time to bring Jason on guys!!! #CoronationConcert,” one wrote, as another added: “All we need now is Jason and Robbie.” A third shared: ” #CoronationConcert get jason orange back.”
After the Coronation, Jason was spotted browsing for property outside an estate agents. Sporting a blue beanie hat and dark coat, he appeared to be in good spirits as he flashed a smile for the camera.
He also decided not to join the boys on their 2024 world tour.
The stars are said to be on good terms despite past grievances between them. Earlier this year it was revealed that Robbie was the richest member of the band after amassing a net worth of £222million.
Gary Barlow – who remains the chief songwriter of the group – also has an impressive bank balance – helped also by his TV appearances including as a judge on ITV’s The X Factor. The dad is said to be worth £101 million while Mark Owen’s net worth is estimated around £32 million, Jason Orange’s around £24 million, and Howard Donald’s is approximately £20 million.
