Gary Barlow's Friends Say He's 'Fit for 55' After 'Unflattering' Photos Emerge
Take That star Gary Barlow appears different from his usual public image in recent London outing, prompting reassurance from his inner circle.
Friends of singer Gary Barlow have stated that he is "fit for 55" following the release of what they described as "unflattering pictures" showing the Take That star looking notably different during a recent lunch outing in London. The photographs captured Barlow, 55, appearing almost unrecognisable away from the elaborate stage persona associated with Take That's recent Circus tour.
Barlow was seen dressed in a casual, oversized black jumper and loose-fitting trousers, accompanied by wine expert and social media personality Tom Gilbey. They were photographed arriving for lunch at the Michelin-starred Dorian restaurant in Notting Hill. One friend commented to the Daily Mail that "all is fine" with Barlow and that the published images were simply "unflattering."
Barlow completed his understated ensemble with an American brand Alo baseball cap and white Adidas trainers. This appearance comes three months after Barlow concluded Take That's demanding Circus Live tour with bandmates Howard Donald, 58, and Mark Owen, 54. The tour featured extensive choreography, acrobatic performances, and a large cast of over 250 performers, including dancers, trapeze artists, and unicyclists.
The tour was a revival of the group's 2009 stadium show, which accompanied their 2008 album of the same name and was at the time the fastest-selling in UK history. This summer's revival did not include former bandmate Jason Orange, 56, who departed the group in 2014. The tour concluded on July 4 at Dublin's Aviva Stadium. Following the final performance, Barlow publicly declared it Take That's "best tour ever."
Barlow and Gilbey have collaborated previously, including a blind taste test of Barlow's rosé and a tour of Bordeaux vineyards. Take That is set to release their tenth studio album, "Dreamers," on November 20. The group plans to perform the album at a single show at the London Palladium a week prior to the release and is scheduled for a European tour next summer.