Gary Barlow "semi-knew" Jason Orange would leave Take That after their performance at the 2012 Olympic Closing Ceremony in London.
The 48-year-old singer announced his departure from the ‘Rule The World’ hitmakers in September 2014, but the band’s frontman Gary has admitted they had a feeling he would be walking away from the group two years earlier when they played at the prestigious ceremony – which marked Jason’s final performance with Take That.
Speaking during an appearance on Smooth Radio, 47-year-old Gary said: "In a strange way, we sort of semi-knew it would be Jason’s last show with us.
"We sort of semi-knew that, I think. We expected it. We would have all been surprised if he had carried on, he really wanted out at that point.
"It meant a lot of things, that evening."
Take That is currently comprised of Gary, Howard Donald, and Mark Owen, and as well as Jason, Robbie Williams was also a former member before he departed in 1995, and again in 2014 after rejoining in 2010.
Recently, 44-year-old Robbie said he would love to reunite the group for their 30th anniversary in 2020, but only if Jason is on board with the idea too.
He said: I can genuinely say I don’t know. I’m up for it. But I don’t know what their calendar says, what my calendar says. I don’t know what their manager says.
"We’d all love to do it. I’d love to get Jason back involved, realistically I don’t think so.
"If we could get Jay back it would be perfect. But we shall see, watch this space."
Robbie says he only speaks to Jason "twice a year", but won’t do a reunion without him.
He said: "I’m in if it’s a five-piece.
"It’s down to Jay. I speak to Jay about twice a year. I don’t ask him stuff to do with Take That, but I know the other lads do."
Gary Barlow ‘knew’ Jason Orange would leave Take That
