Jason Orange Surfaces in Cheshire Following Take That Netflix Documentary Release
Jason Orange, the former member of the iconic British pop group Take That, has been spotted out and about in Hale village, Cheshire, marking his first public appearance since the recent release of the band’s Netflix documentary. While the singer, now 55, did not feature in the new docu-series, he was photographed wrapped up in a smart black knee-length coat, black trousers, and matching boots, complete with a pair of stylish sunglasses. This rare outing comes amidst renewed interest in the band and its history following the documentary’s debut.
Orange, who shot to fame in 1990 as part of Take That’s original lineup alongside Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Robbie Williams, and Mark Owen, made the decision to leave the successful band in 2014. He cited a desire for a quieter life away from the relentless spotlight as his primary reason for stepping away. In the years since his departure, he has largely maintained a reclusive lifestyle, shunning the public eye. Although archive footage of him is included in the recent Netflix documentary, Orange himself did not participate in any new interviews for the production.
A New Chapter: Property Ventures and Football Connections
Beyond his musical legacy, reports emerged in January suggesting that Jason Orange has embarked on a new career path. He has reportedly ventured into the property business, becoming a co-owner of Nine The Firs. This new enterprise sees him partnering with former Leicester City football legend, Neil Lennon.
A source close to the situation revealed that Orange and Lennon have known each other for some time, having even played in a charity football match together several years ago. The source explained that while Lennon brings established expertise to the firm, Orange has now joined as a partner. Despite his preference for a private life, Orange is said to possess a “real flair for property.” He has already reportedly been actively involved, successfully selling a property to a satisfied customer who described him as “lovely” and “professional.”
Take That’s Evolving Line-up and Orange’s Departure
Jason Orange’s decision to leave Take That in 2014 was not an impulsive one. He had previously admitted to wanting to exit the group for a considerable period, expressing no desire to be involved in the recording and promotion of new music. This move followed Robbie Williams’ initial departure from the band in 1995. After Orange’s exit, Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, and Howard Donald continued to perform and record successfully as a trio.
Take That initially returned to the music scene as a three-piece in 2006, following a decade-long hiatus. Notably, Jason Orange was the only member who remained completely detached from the music industry during this ten-year break. Instead, he explored other creative avenues, including trying his hand at acting in various stage productions.
A Life Beyond the Spotlight
The former pop star reportedly turned his back on the glitzy London party scene, favouring more low-key evenings at intimate venues in and around his native Manchester. This preference for a quieter existence has remained consistent throughout his time away from the band.
Even during significant band events, such as Take That’s performance at King Charles III’s Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle in May 2023 – their first live performance in four years – Jason Orange did not reunite with his former bandmates.
Bandmates Reflect on Orange’s Decision
Mark Owen, speaking to The Times in June 2023, offered insight into Orange’s departure, stating, “I think [Jason] felt like he didn’t want to do it any more, but I’m not going to speak for him.” He added a poignant anecdote, recalling how the band members were trying to determine the best joke-teller within the group and remembered Orange’s infectious laughter that often preceded the punchline.
Gary Barlow has also been candid about Orange’s future with the band. He previously told The Sun, “Jason isn’t coming back. Take That is Mark, Howard and me for the next few years.” This statement solidified the understanding that Orange’s departure was final.
In 2018, Howard Donald revealed that Jason Orange had effectively gone “off the grid,” ceasing to respond to calls and messages as he pursued a “normal life” in the countryside. Speaking to the Loose Women panel, Donald explained, “Jason has gone off the grid. He’s not taking emails or phone calls or stuff like that. That’s good for him. That’s where he wants to be. I think he wants to be a million miles away from this at the moment.”
Gary Barlow further elaborated on Orange’s decision in an interview with Metro, acknowledging that while they hear from him “now and again,” attempts to reply often prove futile as emails become defunct. He described it as a situation “bigger than we all know,” emphasizing Orange’s decisive move to cut ties with a life he no longer desired. Barlow stressed the importance of respecting Orange’s wishes as an adult, admitting, “If you were 20 you would open the discussion up, but he is a grown man. You have to respect the fact he doesn’t want to do this. It was hard for us to watch him go.” Barlow also confirmed that Orange “didn’t want any creative involvement” and ultimately “wanted to leave.”
