British singer and songwriter Robbie Williams has expressed support for Take That band mate Jason Orange, who recently left the group, according to NME.

Williams sent a tweet a day after Orange's departure was reported on September 24.

"Mr. Orange. Until we ride again. Much love Bro," the singer said on Twitter.

Williams -- who was a founding member of the group with Orange along with chief songwriter Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen in 1990 -- left the band in 1995 and started a resplendent solo career. Take That carried on as a four-piece group until disbanding the following year.

The band, which reunited in 2005 without Williams, was working on their seventh album when Orange announced his departure. Barlow, Donald and Owen intend to go on as a trio.

Williams returned to Take That in 2010 for the album "Progress" and a world tour but has been on a hiatus from the band since the culmination of that tour in 2011.

The three remaining members released a statement on Orange's exit shortly after the announcement, according to Mirror.

"This is a sad day for us. Jason leaving is a huge loss both professionally and even more so personally," the statement says. "We first became aware of Jason's reservations a couple of years ago but had hoped that by giving him the desired time and space he may begin to feel differently."

The statement says the three "have to accept and fully respect his decision which we know hasn't been an easy one."

"Jason's energy and belief in what this band could achieve has made it what it is today, and we'll forever be grateful for his enthusiasm, dedication and inspiration over the years," the message says.

A source told Daily Record that "there were no arguments" among the members regarding the matter but only "a sense of shock."