Jason Orange quits Take That, group to continue as a trio

Singer Jason Orange has quit Take That after 15 years as a member of the music group.
The band will continue as a trio of Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen. Robbie Williams will not be returning for their next project, reported Telegraph online.
"I want to start by saying how proud I am of what we have achieved together over the years. However, 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, including my band mates, who I feel are like brothers to me," Orange said.

"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."
Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen added in a joint statement: "This is a sad day for us. Jason leaving is a huge loss both professionally and even more so personally.
"Jason's energy and belief in what this band could achieve has made it what it is today, and we'll forever be grateful for his enthusiasm, dedication and inspiration over the years."
Take That, whose 2007 hit 'Rule the World' recently passed the one million sales barrier in the UK, are expected to release their next studio album in 2015.

The boyband formed in Manchester in 1990 and disbanded in 1996 following the departure of Robbie Williams. They reformed in 2006 as a four-piece to work on their Beautiful World album, before Williams rejoined in 2010.