Take That's Howard Donald has spoken out about Jason Orange's 2014 exit from the band, revealing that he felt "hurt" by his decision to leave.

The 55-year-old opened up about his music career and the band's highs and lows in BBC Two's Reel Stories alongside remaining Take That members Gary Barlow and Mark Owen.

Addressing Jason's departure, Howard said that his bandmate had wanted to "draw a line" under the big 2011 reunion tour with Robbie Williams.

"We were adults and we spoke a lot about everything but there was no changing his mind. He wanted to distance himself from everything really,” Howard adds. “I felt quite hurt by it – but at the same time, I really understood it.”

Meanwhile, Mark added: "If I go back now, us all being back in a room together was probably Jason’s dream."

The BBC Two programme, hosted by Dermot O'Leary, sees the Take That trio look back at the band's journey, from the early days of performing in school assemblies to their decision to part ways in 1996 after Robbie Williams' exit.

Howard revealed that he regretted not checking in on Robbie before his shock solo move. “If you look back at that whole situation of him leaving, he’d obviously had enough. In hindsight, you do wish you’d spoken to him the next week – ‘Listen mate, we’re about to go on tour, is everything alright?’”

He also opened up about pursuing his own solo career, admitting that it wasn't as successful as Robbie's award-winning turn.

“I probably did three or four gigs and there was just no one there,” Howard said. “I didn’t even feel comfortable in the skin of a solo artist and knowing what to say to these people. It didn’t feel right.”

However, Take That are now returning with their ninth album – their third as a trio – and even got the chance to perform at the King's Coronation Concert.

"This was mental for us – we were honoured to be there,” Gary said, while Howard added: "I was very nervous and I remember when the choir came out and I started thinking, ‘I’m going to lose it here. If I’m blubbing, I’m not going to be able to sing.’

Reel Stories: Take That airs Saturday 25th November at 8:30pm on BBC Two.

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