Take That's Jason Orange quits; bandmates say it's a huge loss

The singer didn't want to commit to a new album and promoting it

Jason Orange has announced he has left Take That and will not be recording a new album with the band.

He said there had been "no fallings out" and he had "spent some of the best years" of his life with them.

The 44-year-old has issued a statement to say he did not want to "commit" to making and promoting a new album.

His bandmates, Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen, said his departure was "a huge loss".

The band were rejoined by Robbie Williams in 2010.

The band formed in 1990, split up in 1996 but four of the five members re-formed for a successful comeback in 2005.

In a statement Orange said: "I want to start by saying how proud I am of what we have achieved together over the years.

"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."

Orange said he was "proud" of what the band had achieved since forming in 1990, including a hugely successful comeback in 2005.

Take That performed at the 2012 Olympics closing ceremony.

"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," he said.

"At the start of this year and with my full knowledge and blessing the guys began writing new material.

"There have been no fallings out, only a decision on my part that I no longer wish to do this.

"I know how much Mark, Gary and Howard enjoy writing and making music, and they know that they have my full support and encouragement to continue on with what is to be another chapter for the band."

Founding member Robbie Williams, left the band in 1995 but rejoined for an album in 2010

A joint statement from the remaining bandmates said: "We first became aware of Jason's reservations a couple of years ago but had hoped that by giving him the desired time and space he may begin to feel differently.

"This has not been the case and we now have to accept and fully respect his decision which we know hasn't been an easy one."

After the band got back together in 2005, they were were briefly rejoined by fifth founder member Robbie Williams for the 2010 album Progress.

The singer famously left the band in 1995 after many disagreements with the management and group members.

Williams went on to launch a hugely successful solo career, which saw his first seven albums each reach number one in the UK.

Jason Orange, along with Robbie Williams, were the only members not to face accusations of tax avoidance

Jason Orange and Robbie Williams were the only members of Take That not to face accusations of tax avoidance after Barlow, Donald, Owen and their manager Jonathan Wild reportedly invested £66m into two partnerships styled as music industry investment schemes.

Barlow finally broke months of silence on the controversy earlier this month and apologised on Twitter for the "tax stories", before telling fans the band were working on a new studio album.

In the early 1990s, Take That had a string of number one hits including Back For Good, Pray and Relight My Fire.

After spending nearly a decade apart the band launched their come back with Take That's Ultimate tour in 2006.

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