'I no longer wish to do this': Jason Orange quits Take That

The 44-year-old singer said he had wanted out of the group for some time and had no desire to commit to recording and promoting a new album.

18:02 25 September 2014

Jason Orange has officially quit Take That. In a statement posted on the band’s website, he said that he had wanted to quit for some time.

The boyband singer explained: '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. There have been no fallings out, only a decision on my part that I no longer wish to do this.'

He continued: '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. At the start of this year and with my full knowledge and blessing the guys began writing new material.'

'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, including my band mates, who I feel are like brothers to me.

'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.'