Twelve years ago, Jason Orange quietly walked away from the blinding lights and screaming fans of Take That, leaving a void for devoted followers. While Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, and Mark Owen prepare for a highly anticipated tour and a revealing new documentary, the question on everyone’s mind remains: what happened to Jason?
Take That, at its peak, was a cultural phenomenon – a band that defined a generation with Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Robbie Williams, Mark Owen, and, of course, Jason Orange. The recent announcement of a new tour and a Netflix documentary charting their incredible journey has reignited interest in the group’s history, but the documentary focuses solely on the current trio.
The documentary, simply titled *Take That*, promises an intimate look at the band’s 35-year history, filled with previously unseen footage and candid interviews. It’s a story of soaring highs, heartbreaking lows, and an enduring legacy, but one former member is noticeably absent from the narrative.
For years, speculation has swirled about a potential reunion with Jason. Gary Barlow has consistently stated the door remains open, acknowledging the unique dynamic the band always possessed. However, this time, a return wasn’t in the cards. Jason Orange has chosen a dramatically different path.
He’s traded the stage for blueprints, the microphone for a measuring tape. Jason has quietly entered the world of property development, partnering with Celtic football legend Neil Lennon. A far cry from sold-out stadiums, he’s now focused on building a new life, one brick at a time.
Those who have worked with him in this new venture describe a ‘lovely’ and ‘professional’ demeanor, a testament to the same dedication he brought to his music career. He appears to have found fulfillment in a world far removed from the spotlight, embracing a sense of normalcy he craved.
Jason’s departure in 2014, after a successful reunion, shocked fans. He expressed immense pride in their achievements and deep affection for his bandmates, describing them as ‘brothers.’ But he also articulated a need for change, a desire to explore a different chapter in his life.
Mark Owen has suggested Jason simply lost his passion for performing, while Gary Barlow admits to a perplexing lack of communication. It’s not a result of conflict, but a deliberate distancing, a quiet retreat from the world that knew him as a pop star.
The band members confess to sporadic contact, often receiving emails from Jason offering well wishes, only to find those messages originate from untraceable addresses. It’s a poignant illustration of his desire for separation, a gentle but firm closing of a significant chapter.
Despite the distance, there’s a lingering sense of respect and understanding. Barlow acknowledges Jason still follows their progress, a quiet observer of the legacy they continue to build. It’s a bittersweet realization – a reminder that sometimes, people simply need to forge their own paths, even if those paths lead them far away.
While fans may continue to dream of a reunion, Jason Orange seems content in his new life, a life built on different foundations, a life lived outside the echo chamber of fame. He’s a testament to the courage it takes to redefine oneself, to pursue a quiet happiness beyond the roar of the crowd.
