Gary Barlow has made a startling new admission about a deeply personal battle he faced during a difficult period in his life, revealing he became a virtual recluse for more than a year. The Take That singer and songwriter opened up about this challenging time as part of the band's new Netflix documentary series, sharing intimate details of his struggles with mental health, body image, and professional jealousy.
The Year of Seclusion
Barlow disclosed that following the disappointing performance of his solo career, which failed to achieve the success he had hoped for, he retreated completely from public life. For over twelve months, the musician did not leave his house, entering what he describes as a period of intense isolation and personal turmoil.
Weight Gain as a Disguise
During this seclusion, Barlow intentionally gained a significant amount of weight, reaching 17 stone. He explained that this was a deliberate strategy to avoid public recognition and essentially kill the pop star image that had defined his public persona. The weight gain served as both a physical and psychological barrier between himself and the outside world.
Struggle with Bulimia
In perhaps his most vulnerable revelation, Barlow shared that he began suffering from bulimia during this period. The eating disorder became part of his daily battle, something he spent years working to overcome. This admission highlights the complex relationship between public pressure, personal identity, and mental health that many celebrities face but rarely discuss so openly.
Professional Jealousy
Barlow also confessed to experiencing intense jealousy over the musical success of his former bandmate, Robbie Williams. While Williams' solo career was flourishing, Barlow's own efforts were stalling, creating what he describes as a painful contrast that exacerbated his personal struggles.
The Path to Recovery
The singer's journey through this dark period eventually led to recovery and reconciliation with his bandmates. The new Netflix docuseries provides a platform for Barlow and other Take That members to reflect on their individual and collective challenges, offering fans an unprecedented look at the human stories behind the pop phenomenon.
Barlow's candid revelations about his year in hiding, weight struggles, eating disorder, and professional envy represent a significant moment in celebrity transparency. They underscore the often-hidden pressures of fame and the personal costs that can accompany public success and failure.
