Take That star Gary Barlow has issued a heartfelt statement to fans admitting he "just can't see a way I could physically do" another Circus Live tour. The gruelling 17-date tour, which wrapped up yesterday in Dublin, served as a follow-up to their landmark 2009 tour, which attracted over a million spectators.

Following the final curtain call, he shared a message with fans explaining that "with an extremely heavy heart" the show would not be returning, despite declaring it Take That's greatest ever tour.

Posting on X today, singer Gary, 55, wrote: "And another tour comes to a close. Somehow, this one feels a little different. With the other tours, it's always comforting to know there will almost definitely be a next time. But I'm pretty sure this tour won't return."

Father-of-three Gary continued: "I was 38 when we originally did this show, and I have to say it's been a whole other challenge doing it as a 55-year-old. I just can't see a way I could physically do this show again.

"So, it's with an extremely heavy heart that I leave The Circus in my past. I got to run away with The Circus twice. Now I'm running towards our next exciting, brand new show."

The previous day he had posted a tribute to fans, writing: "Best tour ever - to say that 35 years into our career is saying something."

The original Take That line-up, which included Jason Orange and Robbie Williams, was formed in Manchester in 1990.

The Circus Live performance is physically gruelling, featuring dancers, trapeze artists, clowns, tightrope walkers and roller skaters, with the band participating in a unicycle routine.

Supporters expressed gratitude to Gary for reviving the show for a fresh generation, with one posting: "Thank you for bringing back The Circus, and letting us relive it and run away with it one last time and this time my kids got to see just how amazing this show was they loved it so Thank you. I cannot wait for the next chapter. Enjoy your time off and relax."

That That Presents: The Circus Live was the group's seventh concert tour in 2009, mounted to promote their album The Circus. It was revived as The Circus Live, conceived as a follow-up to the original production.

It featured Gary, Mark Owen and Howard Donald, with supporting acts from Belinda Carlisle and The Script. However, Jason Orange was notably absent, having retired from the group in 2014.