A new Take That documentary dropped on Netflix today, but not all of the band's original members have taken part in fresh interviews for the three-part series. While words and footage of them are present throughout, Jason Orange and Robbie Williams didn't actually provide new content for the project.
Of course, these are the two members of the popular boy band who – having first found widespread success in the '90s – walked away at one time or another. There are currently three remaining members of Take That; Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, it is those three who have spoken out in brand-new conversations for the Netflix series, reflecting on their journeys through the decades.
Why did Jason Orange not take part in Netflix's Take That documentary?
The answer is a simple one: when the docuseries was announced by Netflix, it was always made clear that the current line-up of the band would be the ones contributing new interviews.
"Featuring 35 years of rare archive, never-before-seen footage, personal material plus brand-new interviews with Gary, Howard and Mark, this series offers an intimate look at the highs, the heartbreaks, and the enduring legacy of one of the UK's most successful bands of all time," the synopsis said.
Robbie Williams has already had the Netflix documentary treatment, with his self-titled four-part series launching on the streaming platform in 2023 – and of course, Better Man, the truly brilliant musical biopic, was released in 2024.
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Why did Jason Orange leave Take That?
An original member, Jason Orange was part of the full line-up of five lads who first launched what was to become one of the most successful pop bands in the UK.
Robbie Williams was famously the first to leave Take That in 1995, and the remaining four members then went on to part ways in 1996, marking an official split for the chart-topping group.
In 2005, Take That reunited as a quartet. When a previously unreleased song reached number two in the charts, and a new documentary, Take That: For the Record, once again put them in the spotlight, the group announced that they would be going on tour once again.
They continued up until 2010, when it was announced – to much excitement – that Willians was coming back to the band. Back to its original five-piece line-up, Take That recorded a new album together – Progress – and a huge successful tour across the UK and Europe then followed.
Williams then stepped back, and in 2014 it was announced that Jason Orange would be leaving Take That too.
The news was confirmed on the band's official website, with a statement reading (via Hello!): "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..."
"There have been no fallings-out, only a decision on my part that I no longer wish to do this," he clarified.
"I know how much Mark, Gary and Howard enjoy writing and making music, and they know that they have my full support and encouragement to continue..."
Orange also said that he had "spent some of the best years of my life with Take That", also giving thanks to "everyone who has been part of my journey, including my band mates, who I feel are like brothers to me".
A statement from Take That at the time also read (according to NME): "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."
Robbie Williams also took to social media to show support for his former band mate, saying: "Mr Orange. Until we ride again . Much love Bro".
Since then, Take That has continued as a trio, and Jason Orange has largely remained out of the public eye.
Take That is streaming now on Netflix.
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TV Editor, Digital Spy Laura has been watching television for over 30 years and professionally writing about entertainment for almost 10 of those. Previously at LOOK and now heading up the TV desk at the UK's biggest TV and movies site Digital Spy, Laura has helped steer conversations around some of the most popular shows on the box. Laura has appeared on Channel 5 News and radio to talk viewing habits and TV recommendations. As well as putting her nerd-level Buffy knowledge to good use during an IRL meet with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Laura also once had afternoon tea with One Direction, has sat around the fire pit of the Love Island villa, spoken to Sir David Attenborough about the world's oceans and even interviewed Rylan from inside the Big Brother house (housemate status, forever pending).
