Gary Barlow’s friends have insisted there is no cause for concern after photographs of the Take That singer looking noticeably different sparked questions about his wellbeing.
The 55-year-old musician was spotted enjoying a leisurely lunch in west London over the weekend, sporting a decidedly more low-key look than fans might be accustomed to seeing on stage.
Gone was the polished appearance of the Take That frontman, with Barlow opting for a clean-shaven face, an oversized black jumper and baggy trousers as he visited Michelin-starred restaurant Dorian in Notting Hill on Sunday.
He completed the casual ensemble with white Adidas trainers and a £78 baseball cap from American activewear brand Alo.
But while the singer appeared to be enjoying some well-earned downtime, photographs from the outing reportedly raised eyebrows over his noticeably tired appearance.
Friends of the star have since moved to reassure fans that there is nothing to worry about.
One source told the Daily Mail that ‘all is fine’ with Barlow, while another dismissed the pictures as simply ‘unflattering’, insisting the musician is ‘fit for 55’.
Barlow was joined for lunch by wine expert and social media personality Tom Gilbey, with whom he has struck up a friendship over their shared appreciation for a good bottle.
The pair have previously collaborated on a blind taste test featuring Barlow’s own rosé wine, while last year they travelled together to Bordeaux to explore some of the French region’s most prestigious vineyards.
And if the singer was looking forward to a relaxing afternoon, few could blame him after the rather exhausting few months he’s had.
Barlow recently admitted that Take That’s latest tour had taken its toll, with the group wrapping up their ambitious Circus Live revival in July.
Alongside bandmates Howard Donald, 58, and Mark Owen, 54, he spent the summer performing in a spectacular production featuring everything from trapeze artists and tightrope walkers to clowns and roller skaters.
The elaborate show even saw the trio get involved in a unicycle stunt, proving that being a member of Take That requires rather more physical exertion than simply standing behind a microphone.
The production, which revisited the group’s hugely successful 2009 Circus tour, also featured a floating hot-air balloon, an enormous mechanical elephant and a cast of 260 performers.
The original tour made history when its first eight dates sold out in under five hours, becoming the fastest-selling UK tour at the time.
This year’s revival saw the trio return to the extravagant production without former bandmate Jason Orange, 56, who departed the group in 2014.
The tour concluded at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on July 4, with Barlow subsequently declaring it the band’s finest yet.
‘Best tour ever – to say that 35 years into our career is saying something,’ he wrote on social media.
‘I got to run away with The Circus twice. Now I’m running towards our next exciting, brand new show.’
And despite enjoying a brief break from the spotlight, Barlow won’t be putting his feet up for long.
Take That are preparing to release their tenth studio album, Dreamers, on November 20, with a special performance at the London Palladium scheduled for November 13.
The trio are also gearing up for another European tour next summer, suggesting Barlow’s famously busy schedule isn’t about to slow down anytime soon.