Boyband heartthrob Jason Orange has said Take That to the award-winning pop group by announcing his departure.
The 44-year-old singer-songwriter explained in a statement on the band’s website that he had been contemplating leaving the group for a while as he called time on a career that has spanned three decades.
The band originally formed in 1990 and Jason remained a member until the band’s split in 1996, rejoining during Take That’s successful comeback in 2005.
“At the end of The Progress Tour I began to question whether it might be the right time for me to not continue on with Take That,” said Jason in a statement to fans on Take That’s official website.
“At a band meeting last week, I confirmed to Mark, Gary and Howard that I do not wish to commit to recording and promoting a new album.
“I have spent some of the best years of my life with Take That and I’d like to thank everyone who has been a part of my journey.
“Most especially my gratitude goes to all of the good and kind, beautiful and ever-loyal fans of the band, without whom none of this could have been possible. Thank you.”
The remaining three bandmates commented on the loss of Jason in their own statement to fans.
In it, they mention their gratitude “for his enthusiasm, dedication and inspiration over the years,” with “Jason’s energy and belief in what this band could achieve [making it] what it is today”.
It was reportedly hoped that Jason, who is originally from Crumpsall, would reconsider his doubts about continuing with the band.
Mark, Gary and Howard admitted they were aware of Jason’s ‘reservations’ at around the same time as their Olympic Closing Ceremony performance, but ‘had hoped that by giving him the desired time and space he may begin to feel differently’.
The hugely successful British boyband, who hail from Manchester, sold over 25 million records worldwide in just their 1990-1996 stint and have since scooped eight BRIT awards in their 15-year active history.
Fans have taken to Twitter in their droves to express their opinions, with Jason’s name quickly trending on Twitter after his announcement.
The hashtag #OrangeThursday has been set up by Jason’s fans to coordinate their tributes to the former Take That singer.
Some were questioning why exactly Jason has left the band:
jason orange quits to do what exactly?
— Alison loves Gary (@ALISONGBARMY) September 25, 2014
Others were quick to joke about the band’s avoidance in a tax avoidance scheme earlier in the year.
I wonder if Gary Barlow’s accountant is investigating whether Jason Orange’s departure can be written off as a tax deductible loss?
— Gaz Weetman (@GazWeetman) September 25, 2014
Unsurprisingly, the number of fruit-related puns reached an all-time high on Twitter this morning.
You won’t see me making any pithy remarks about Jason Orange
— Hutchy (@BambiProclaimer) September 25, 2014
Image courtesy of vagueonthehow with thanks
