Jason Orange's Take That exit explained as fans question why he's missing from reunion

Take That fans were delighted to see Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, Howard Donald, and Robbie Williams reunite - but what happened to fifth member Jason Orange?

Fans of classic boy band Take That were delighted to see the boys reunite for a home-based concert - but someone was noticeably absent.

As part of an online concert from Compare the Meerkat, Take That stars Gary Barlow,Howard Donald, Mark Owen and former bandmate Robbie Williams reunited to perform together from each of their separate homes.

The Take That fanbase were delighted to see the boys together again, performing their hits such as Shine and Back for Good, while also provide some of their typical banter.

Yet, there was a notable sadness on social media as fifth member Jason Orange remains absent from the band.

However, what happened to the singer?

Having been part of the band since its inception and also part of the four-piece that reunited without Robbie Williams in when Take That reformed in 2005, Jason both sang and contributed writing across the group's discography.

The four-piece were reunited with Robbie for the album Progress in 2010, leaving Take That fans delighted.

However, after the release of this album was when Jason made the big decision to depart the band.

Jason announced his departure in 2014 with a statement that paid tribute to his bandmates.

He said: "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. 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.

"At the end of the Progress tour I began to question whether it might be the right time for me to not continue on with Take That. At the start of this year and with my full knowledge and blessing the guys began writing new material.

"There have been no fallings out, only a decision on my part that I no longer wish to do this. 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 on with what is to be another chapter for the band."

Gary, Mark, and Howard continued as a trio without Jason, while Robbie continued his solo career.

Since departing the band, Jason has been completely out of the spotlight with reports suggesting that he is now living a quiet life in the Cotswolds.

Robbie recently spoke to The Sun and revealed that Jason is pretty much off the grid and joked he would need a private detective to speak with Orange.

Williams said: "You know you can have that Find My Phone thing?

"The whole of Take That should have a locate Jason Orange thing because none of us know where he’s gone.

"I should hire a private detective — he finds out where Jason Orange is, we inject him with a beeping thing, a chip, then we know where Jason is at all times."

Despite being absent from the bands' and their fans' lives, Jason is still very much remembered by fans who missed him while watching tonight's concert.

One fan tweeted: " @takethat@robbiewilliams@HowardDonald@GaryBarlow where was Jason? Send him my love. Fantastic show I now want to go out dancing! Love you all #takethat "

Another commented on Twitter : "I miss Jason Orange #takethat "

"Loving it, but I still miss Jason, he'd be so good at this #TakeThat," noted another fan.

Finally, one fan wrote: "The boys are on right now! Still my idols. Then. Now. Always.

"And Jason we miss you always."

What did you think of the show? Let us know in the comments below.