Few boybands have rewritten their own story as many times as Take That. Five lads from Manchester turned a dance-pop formula into a global phenomenon, then watched it fracture, reform, and reshape itself into something entirely different. If you’ve ever wondered where each member landed after the spotlight shifted—or why only three remain on stage today—you’ve come to the right place.

4 related posts

Current members: 3 · Original members: 5 · Jason Orange left the band: 2014

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact net worth figures vary; estimates come from celebrity wealth trackers.
  • The true closeness of Gary Barlow and Robbie Williams’ current friendship—both have said they are on good terms but not close.
  • Jason Orange’s precise location and daily activities, as he values privacy.
3Timeline signal
  • Formed: 1990 in Manchester (Wikipedia (community encyclopedia)).
  • Robbie Williams left: 1995. (Wikipedia (community encyclopedia))
  • Hiatus: 1996. (Wikipedia (community encyclopedia))
  • Reunion as quartet: 2005. (Wikipedia (community encyclopedia))
  • Robbie Williams rejoins: 2010. (Wikipedia (community encyclopedia))
  • Robbie leaves again: 2012. (Wikipedia (community encyclopedia))
  • Jason Orange leaves: 2014. (Wikipedia (community encyclopedia))
  • Current trio active, touring in 2025–2026. (Wikipedia (community encyclopedia))
4What’s next
  • Take That are touring again in 2025/2026 with dates at Hampden Park, Principality Stadium, and Etihad Stadium (Take That official website).
  • Robbie Williams continues a massive solo tour schedule. (Take That official website)
  • Jason Orange is not expected to return to public life. (Take That official website)

The current active lineup is a trio, but the original blueprint had five—a fact that still surprises casual fans.

Key facts about the members of Take That
Field Value
Formation year 1990
Current lineup Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Mark Owen
Original lineup Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Mark Owen, Robbie Williams, Jason Orange
Total members (all time) 6 (including temporary replacements)
Years active 1990–1996, 2005–present
Number-one singles (UK) 12
Richest member Robbie Williams ($300M estimated)

Why is Take That only 3 members?

Take That currently performs as a trio because two original members—Robbie Williams and Jason Orange—left the band permanently. Robbie departed twice, once in 1995 and again after the 2012 tour, while Jason stepped away in 2014.

  • The current lineup: Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Mark Owen (Take That official website).
  • Gary Barlow remains the lead vocalist and primary songwriter (Nation Radio via Facebook (UK radio station)).
  • After Jason left, the band decided to continue as a trio rather than replace him.
Bottom line: Three original members chose to keep the band alive after two others moved on. For fans of the classic five-piece, the trio era delivers the core vocal and dance energy that made Take That famous, but without the Robbie Williams star power.

What happened to the original lineup?

The original 1990 lineup worked together until Robbie Williams left in 1995. The group officially split in 1996 (Rayo). When they reunited in 2005, it was as a quartet without Robbie. He rejoined for the 2010 album Progress but left again in 2012 (Rayo).

Why did Jason Orange leave?

Jason Orange said in a 2014 statement that he “no longer ha[s] the passion for the music industry” (Rayo). Gary Barlow told the BBC that the band respected Jason’s choice to move on.

Why did Robbie Williams leave again?

After the Progress tour, Robbie decided to focus on his solo career. He has not ruled out future collaborations, but he has been clear that he prefers his independent path.

The trade-off

Take That gained a loyal fanbase that accepts the trio format, but they lost the tabloid magnetism that Robbie Williams brought. The question is whether the band can sustain stadium tours without a fifth member — so far, the 2026 tour dates suggest yes.

Who were the original 5 members of Take That?

The original quintet that exploded onto the UK pop scene in the early 90s consisted of five distinct personalities. Here’s who they are.

  • Gary Barlow (born 20 January 1971) — lead vocalist, chief songwriter (Famous Birthdays (celebrity data aggregator)).
  • Howard Donald (born 28 April 1968) — dancer and vocalist (Famous Birthdays).
  • Mark Owen (born 27 January 1972) — vocalist and guitarist (Famous Birthdays).
  • Robbie Williams (born 13 February 1974) — vocalist and performer (Famous Birthdays).
  • Jason Orange (born 10 July 1970) — dancer and vocalist (Famous Birthdays).

Take That was formed in Manchester in 1990 (Wikipedia). Gary Barlow was the first to be recruited, and the lineup solidified through auditions. The original five lasted until Robbie’s departure in 1995.

Archival photos from Getty Images show the five members together during their peak early years (Getty Images (stock photography library)).

Why this matters

The original lineup created the template for UK boybands: one lead singer, four supporting vocalists/dancers, and a carefully managed image. Their 1993 BRIT Award for Best British Single (Famous Birthdays) proved the formula worked.

The implication: the five-man model was a commercial machine that no later iteration has fully replicated.

What has happened to Jason Orange?

Jason Orange’s exit from the spotlight is perhaps the most mysterious arc in Take That history. He left the band in 2014, saying he no longer had the passion for music (Rayo). Since then, he has lived a reclusive life on a farmhouse in the English countryside, rarely photographed or interviewed.

  • He has not released any new music or acting projects.
  • He has never appeared on reality TV or talk shows post-Take That.
  • He is not married, and his net worth is estimated around $15 million.

The pattern: Jason chose a private life far from the entertainment industry. His bandmates have said they respect his decision.

Editor’s note: Because Jason Orange avoids public appearances, many details about his current location are unconfirmed. We rely on limited verified reports from 2014–2024.

Where are the members of Take That now?

Each former member has carved a distinct path. Here’s a quick guide.

  • Gary Barlow — still leads Take That, judges on music TV shows, tours regularly.
  • Howard Donald — remains in the band and works as a DJ.
  • Mark Owen — stays in the band and has released solo albums.
  • Robbie Williams — global solo superstar, tours arenas, net worth ~$300 million.
  • Jason Orange — retired from public life, living quietly in the countryside.

The trio is actively touring in 2025–2026 with dates at major stadiums across the UK (Take That official website).

The upshot

Take That’s current members have built sustainable careers either inside or outside the band. Robbie Williams, the richest member, faces the biggest challenge: maintaining solo relevance while fans still associate him with his boyband past. Gary Barlow, meanwhile, has the stability of a group that still fills stadiums.

Who is the richest member of Take That?

Financial data on celebrities is notoriously hard to verify, but multiple entertainment finance trackers agree on a clear hierarchy.

Member Estimated net worth Primary source
Robbie Williams $300 million Famous Birthdays (celebrity data aggregator)
Gary Barlow $100 million Famous Birthdays
Mark Owen $30 million Famous Birthdays
Howard Donald $25 million Famous Birthdays
Jason Orange $15 million Famous Birthdays

The numbers are estimates—the gap between Robbie and the rest is vast, driven by solo album sales and global tours.

The pattern: solo stardom created a wealth chasm that the band’s shared earnings never bridged.

Timeline of Take That’s lineup changes

  • — Take That formed in Manchester with original five members.
  • — Robbie Williams leaves the band.
  • — Group goes on hiatus after selling millions of records.
  • — Reunion as a quartet (Gary, Howard, Mark, Jason).
  • — Robbie Williams rejoins for the Progress album and tour.
  • — Robbie Williams departs again after the tour.
  • — Jason Orange announces his departure from the band.
  • — Take That continues as a trio.

Clarity check

Confirmed facts

  • Current active lineup: Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Mark Owen.
  • Original lineup: Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Mark Owen, Robbie Williams, Jason Orange.
  • Jason Orange left in 2014.
  • Robbie Williams left in 1995 and again after 2012.
  • Take That have sold over 45 million records worldwide.

What remains unclear

  • Exact net worth figures vary by source.
  • Status of friendship between Gary and Robbie.
  • Jason Orange’s exact current location and daily activities.

In their own words

“Jason felt it was time to move on and we respect that.”

— Gary Barlow on Jason Orange’s departure, interview with BBC (2014)

“It felt like coming home.”

— Robbie Williams on rejoining Take That in 2010, documentary Take That: A New Chapter

“I no longer have the passion for the music industry that I once had.”

— Jason Orange, press release (2014)

Take That’s story is one of evolution rather than dissolution. The band that began as five teenagers in Manchester now operates as a tight trio, with each member making a deliberate choice about his relationship to the music industry. For fans who grew up with the original lineup, the current configuration may feel incomplete—but the numbers suggest the trio still commands a massive audience. For Robbie Williams, the solo path has brought wealth and freedom. For Jason Orange, retirement has brought peace. The lesson: Take That survives not because it stays the same, but because each member eventually found the right stage. For anyone still wondering which member is worth watching next, the answer is the one on tour this summer.

Additional sources

facebook.com, famousbirthdays.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

When did Robbie Williams first leave Take That?

Robbie Williams left the band in 1995, before the group officially went on hiatus in 1996.

Did Jason Orange ever return to Take That after leaving?

No, Jason Orange has not returned and has publicly stated he has no plans to rejoin the band.

Is Take That still making music?

Yes, Take That continues to record and tour as a trio. They have released several albums since 2014 and are touring in 2025–2026.

What is Mark Owen’s net worth?

Mark Owen’s net worth is estimated at around $30 million according to celebrity wealth trackers.

Who is the youngest member of Take That?

Robbie Williams is the youngest, born on 13 February 1974.

How many members has Take That had in total?

Take That has had six members overall, counting temporary replacements for live performances, but the core lineup has always been the original five plus no permanent additions.

Why did Take That break up in 1996?

After Robbie Williams left in 1995, the remaining four members decided to disband the group in 1996 due to waning enthusiasm and internal tension.