Take That will release new music ''within weeks''.

The 'Patience' hitmakers stunned their fans earlier this week when they announced the departure of Jason Orange, but the group - Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen - are pressing on with plans to release a new record by the end of the year.

A source said: ''The first songs could be with fans within a few weeks. Fans are backing the boys to stay together.

''They're written a lot of the record already. The only thing stopping a comeback without Jason is if the results in the studio don't do justice to their musical legacy. They won't release anything substandard.''

However, insiders admit Jason was usually the band's ''quality control'' and not afraid to give an honest opinion on their finished tracks.

The source added to Metro newspaper: ''Jason was very encouraging about health and keeping fit. They'll miss that spirit.

''He was also key to the group's quality control. He'd always speak his mind if he thought something was rubbish.''

The 44-year-old singer is now planning to enjoy ''civilian life'' out of the public eye and has no plans to embark on a solo career.

The source said: ''Jason's just very private. He's made a lot of money through decent investments.

''Now he only wants to enjoy a civilian life. There are no big work plans for him in the pipeline.''

Meanwhile, Gary has thanked fans for their support following Jason's departure.

He tweeted: ''Thank you so much for all your beautiful messages xx(sic)''