Take That fans might want to have their hankies at the ready- Jason Orange has announced he is leaving the band. The news comes as the band gear up to start working on their new album, with frontman Gary Barlow stating most of the material has already been written.

Jason Orange
Jason has called time on his involvement in Take That

In a statement on the band's website, Orange thanked fans for their support over the years, and paid tribute to his bandmates. The band first formed in 1990, consisting of Gary Barlow, Robbie Williams, Mark Owen, Jason Orange and Howard Donald. Williams famously left the band in July 1995, with the band splitting up the following year. At the time the news devestated legions of fans across the world, with the government even setting up special phone hotlines to offer support to them.

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When the band returned in 2006 it was to rapturous acclaim, conquering the charts and selling out stadiums all over the UK. With three number ones since they got back together, the rift between all the members was seemingly healed in 2010 when Robbie returned. The band broke records for ticket sales with their Progress Live tour which ended with an unprecidented week-long run at Wembley. Following this, the band took a well-deserved break in October 2011, but did appear in the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics. Williams announced in April 2014 that he would not be joining the band on their next album or tour as his wife, Ayda Fields, is expecting their second child.

According to the band's statement, Orange had wrestled with his decision to leave the band for a few years before finally calling time, and it wasn't due to any breakdown in relationships with his bandmates. 

Meanwhile, Gary Barlow can be seen as a judge on ITV's 'The X Factor'. Maybe he could look for Jason's replacement there?

Take That
Howard, Mark and Gary have vowed to continue as a three piece

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