Barlow: 'Solo career was like leprosy'

Gary Barlow has compared his solo career to having leprosy.

The 38-year-old launched his bid for solo stardom in 1996 following the demise of Take That.

Despite his first album Open Road topping the charts, he was dropped by his record label in 1999 after second LP Twelve Months, Eleven Days failed to live up to expectations.

Reflecting on his solo experience, he told Metro: "Nobody wants anything to do with [you] whatsoever – it's like having leprosy. Nobody wants any connection with you whatsoever."

However, he admitted that he would probably cope better today, saying: "I think this time, three of us have families and we've got lives outside of the band. Now it doesn't all hinge on Take That being successful forever."

The singer welcomed his third child, daughter Daisy, on January 14.