Take That have finally explained Jason Orange's 10-year break from the group - after confirming he will not return.
The singer, 52, said he did not want to tour or record music with the Pray stars after quitting the band in 2014. Fans were bereft when Jason left - however Gary Barlow, 52, Mark Owen, 51, and Howard Donald, 55, continued to perform as a trio.
As reported by the Mirror, they've now opened up about the break from the band. But they insist that they are still friends with the dancer, just like they are with Robbie Williams, who quit in 1995.
Mark explained of Jason's decision to leave: “I think he felt he didn’t want to do it any more. 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. However, he is now living a life away from the limelight 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."
Howard revealed Jason had stopped responding to calls in 2018 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 the band took to the stage in May. 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However, viewers were gutted when they realised Jason had been replaced by Britain's Got Talent's Calum Scott.
One wrote: "Now would be a great time to bring Jason on guys!!! #CoronationConcert."
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.
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