Gary Barlow Plays Padel After Friends Dismiss Concerns Over His Appearance

Gary Barlow recently engaged in a game of padel with comedian friends Jason Manford and Michael McIntyre. This outing follows earlier concerns raised when Barlow appeared tired and drawn while having lunch at Dorian restaurant in Notting Hill.

Friends of the Take That star have since stated that "all is fine" with the singer, describing the earlier photographs as "unflattering" and asserting that Barlow is "fit for 55." To demonstrate his well-being, Barlow participated in the fast-paced racquet sport at Padel Social Club in London alongside McIntyre, 50, and Manford, 45, as well as another friend named Stu. The group posed for a selfie in their workout attire.

Manford humorously commented on the match, referencing Take That's song titles and using puns related to the sport. He noted Gary's "Backhand for Good" and Michael's "Send to Wall" shot, concluding with a playful "Man Drawer."

The padel match occurred after Barlow completed Take That's extensive Circus Live tour with bandmates Howard Donald, 58, and Mark Owen, 54. The tour was a physically demanding production featuring elaborate stage elements and stunts, including unicycle performances by the trio. A revival of the group's 2009 stadium show, the tour ran without former member Jason Orange, who departed in 2014, and concluded in Dublin on July 4.

Following the tour's final performance, Barlow expressed his satisfaction, calling it Take That's "best tour ever." He indicated a transition from the circus-themed performances to new projects, stating, "Now I’m running towards our next exciting, brand new show."

Take That is preparing to release their tenth studio album, "Dreamers," on November 20. The band is scheduled to perform the album at a special one-off show at the London Palladium a week prior to the release and plans to embark on a European tour next summer.