Gary axes tour dates as illness hits family

TAKE That have scaled back next year’s epic world tour after a serious illness in Gary Barlow’s family, according to reports.

The band will no longer perform in South America and Australia, so they can stay closer to home, the Mirror said.

Instead they will stick to dates around Europe.

Speaking to The Mirror, Gary said: “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.”

Gary added: “I thank my two bandmates who have been so very understanding, but I just have to be at home – I cannot leave.

“I didn’t want people getting frustrated that we’re not getting out there. I’m a little stuck at the moment, so please be understanding.”

Gary will instead be spending time next year writing a movie with Tim Firth.

He said: “We’ve been writing an idea that’s 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 we’re going to be writing that as a movie.

“I’m very excited. That will be brand-new music, a brand-new story.”

The tour is due to begin in Sheffield on April 15, and end in Huddersfield on June 4.

The M.E.N. understands that the Manchester Arena dates will not be affected. They are: April 22, 23, 25, 26 and 27.