Take That's Mark Owen says his kids hate new look but there's a reason for long hair

Take That’s Mark Owen stole the show at last night’s Coronation Concert when he stepped out on stage sporting a daring new look.

The singer, 50, was the talk of social media as he took to the stage alongside his bandmates while sporting shoulder-length hair and a moustache.

The star was subjected to some very cruel trolling from viewers who made it clear they were absolutely not on board with his new ‘do.

Some said they were distracted from the show as they didn’t even recognise the star, while others were full of compliments for Mark’s new flowing locks.

But the singer is unlikely to have been phased by the mixed attention as he previously revealed the story behind the change in his appearance, and even confessed that his own children hated his new look.

He explained the story behind the change while appearing on BBC Breakfast in September last year.

Mark joined Sally Nugent and Jon Kay to promote his solo single 'You Only Want Me', and his new album Land of Dreams, but the topic of conversation quickly turned to his appearance, with fans watching at home taking to social media to claim they didn’t even recognise him.

Sally asked about his new facial hair while he sat on the famous red sofa. “Actually, you look different. The moustache, how long has that been there?” she quizzed.

Mark's been growing his hair out for some time - even though his kids aren't keen (Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Mark had shorter bleached hair when he first burst onto the music scene in the 90s (Getty Images)

Mark replied: “It’s been there for about four years probably. It started off as a beard and then my beard got a bit patchy on this side.

“Then we were going on tour, and beards can get a bit sweaty on tour. So then it became a moustache and it sort of stuck.”

Mark then admitted that not everyone is a fan of his new look: “My children keep threatening to cut it off.”

Mark previously confessed that his kids hate his new look (BBC)

“They’re like, 'Can we just…?' And I [say], 'No! It has to stay.' I said, 'I've done my artwork - I can’t change the look!’ I’ve done the video, I can’t change my look now.”

Mark and his stache performed with his Take That bandmates Gary Barlow and Howard Donald at the Coronation Concert, alongside other big names like Lionel Richie and Katy Perry.

Mark is embracing his rocker look (Teesside Live/Katie Lunn)

Cruel viewers took to social media to berate the singer, with one writing: “ Mark Owen reminds me of my dear old Nan. Small, long blonde hair & moustache.”

“Is Mark Owen having a midlife crisis with that hair?” another asked.

“Mark Owen could have had a hair cut!” a third said.

Others stuck up for the star, with one writing: “Awww poor Mark Owen getting all this abuse. Leave the lad alone. Whatever happened to be kind?"

“As long as he is happy & healthy does it matter if he has let his hair grow FFS!!! The state of some of the divs having a go too. Just wow!! Give your heads a wobble!!” [sic]

Meanwhile, another complimented: “Mark Owen got that l'oréal hair.”

And another suggested: “Think someone should sign Mark Owen from @takethat up for a hair shampoo ad.”