Gary Barlow has pleaded with fans to understand after being forced to cancel Take Thats planned world tour in 2019.
The former X Factor judge had planned to hit the road again next year with his bandmates, Mark Owen, 46, and Howard Donald, 50, to celebrate their 30th anniversary.
However, a serious family illness means he will no longer be able to go ahead with the jaunt.
Announcing the sad news, Gary told The Mirror: We had a big ambition next year to do a world tour, but I have actually got an illness in my family and it means I am not going to travel for the next two years extensively.
I thank my two bandmates who have been so very understanding, but I just have to be at home – I cannot leave. I didnt want people getting frustrated that were not getting out there. Im a little stuck at the moment, so please be understanding.
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All is not lost though as the Take That three-piece have agreed to stick to dates around Europe so that Gary can be close to home and his family. The group had originally looked at playing shows in South America and Australia.
Take That fans could be in for a surprise during the European shows as Robbie Williams recently hinted that hell reunite with his bandmates.
The Angels singer told Lorraine: Id like to. If were in the same place at the same time then Im definitely in. I think theres a mic open for me. Its an open invitation both ways.
With his touring career taking a back-burner, Gary will now focus on writing a movie alongside Tim Rice.
More: Gary Barlow
Teasing the project, the 47-year-old revealed: Weve been writing an idea thats set on a cruise ship. It was going to be a musical, however, we do have a film deal pending on it, so I have a feeling that were going to be writing that as a movie.
Im very excited. That will be brand-new music, a brand-new story.
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