Take That's ex-manager slams Jason Orange for leaving the group and claims he "wants attention"

Nigel Martin-Smith, who formed the pop group back in 1989, believes Jason is just trying to get attention and will rejoin the band

Take That's ex-manager has slammed band member Jason Orange after he announced he was quitting the group.

Nigel Martin-Smith, who formed the pop group in 1989, claims the hunk has only thrown in the towel to get attention and will end up rejoining band mates Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen, who are continuing as a trio without Jason and Robbie Williams.

He told The Sun newspaper: "I have never told my Take That story and am only speaking now because I think that Jason's behaviour is deplorable.

"This is about him wanting attention. He never did like all the fuss when Robbie rejoined."

Jason claimed earlier this week that there have been "no fallings-out" about members and sources suggested he simply didn't like being famous and was wasn't enjoying being in the band anymore.

But Nigel tells a different story and claims he wasn't rehired as the band's manager for their 2006 reunion because Jason didn't want him.

The star released a statement on Thursday announcing he had called it a day with Take That after an urgent band meeting last week.

Nigel went on: "Jason was always very jealous of Rob's talent and popularity. They didn't get on at all and it was Jason who engineered Robbie leaving."

Robbie took to Twitter this week to comment on Jason quitting, posting: "Mr Orange. Until we ride again . Much love Bro x"

Nigel added: "Jason leaving has been on the cards since the band reformed. It's not common knowledge but it was my idea to get the band back together and Jason was never keen. I co-produced the ITV Take That documentary in 2005 and Jason was a nightmare.

"After the film went out I started planning the tour and Jason was on the phone telling me he didn't know if he wanted to be in the band."

But their former manager feels when the trio head out and make a success of their next album and tour, Jason WILL rejoin, but he's not happy with the way he has left band members ahead of the release of their new album.

He added: "If any of this sounds a little bitter, then I guess I am.

"I am angry with Jason for letting the fans down, for letting Gary, Mark and Howard down, and most of all I am upset with Jason for throwing away a career."