Will Jason Orange appear in Netflix’s Take That documentary despite being social recluse?

Popular 90s group Take That is set to release a Netflix documentary, but it’s unclear whether one key member will be making an appearance.

Set to tell the inside story of the British boy band, which was initially made up of Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, Robbie Williams, Jason Orange and Howard Donald, the special will be directed by Bafta-nominated director David Soutar and produced by Gabe Turner. 

While it’s been confirmed that Gary, 53, Mark, 52, and Howard, 56, will give exclusive interviews and Robbie, 50, will reportedly share insights, it’s currently unknown if Jason, 54, will participate in the project. 

The original member of the iconic band stuck with his bandmates between 1990 and 1996 and reunited with them all, minus Robbie, in 2005. However, in 2014, he announced he was officially leaving the group and has rarely been seen or heard from since. 

But Take That isn’t letting that discourage them, with a source confirming that Gary, Mark and Howard are working hard to get in touch with Jason in hopes he will partake in an exclusive interview for the Fulwell 73 documentary. 

Speaking to The Sun, an inside source said the special initially would only use archive interviews from the former boy band member, but the plan has since changed. 

‘There’s hope he could be persuaded to take part in the present day, which would be a real coup,’ the source said. 

‘The special is still in its early stages, and Fulwell 73 has yet to formally approach him, but this could change when the project starts to take shape and the lads have managed to work their magic.’ 

Jason has reclused from life in the public eye since revealing he was leaving Take That with his most recent spotting being a low-key outing at the London cafe The Ivy last week.

When announcing his departure from the band, he told fans: ‘I want to start by saying how proud I am of what we have achieved together over the years.’

‘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 bandmates, who I feel are like brothers to me,’ he added.

Gary admitted recently that he, Howard, and Mark only hear from him sporadically nowadays. He stated that it’s come as a surprise, as there is no real reason for the lack of contact. 

‘It’s a tricky one with Jay. I almost think if there had been a big argument it would be easier, but there wasn’t,’ he added.

‘He just wanted a change in his life. But he does keep an eye on us. And it’s nice to know that.’

Howard added that Jason is ‘difficult to get a hold of’ even when he is the one who messages them first.

‘He’ll send an email saying, “I wish you all the success in the world”. And then the next day you try replying to it and it’s a no-reply email address,’ he said. 

Regardless of the lack of contact, the remaining members of the band said they would happily welcome him back.