Mark Owen: Age, Wife, Children and His Life in Take That
Mark Owen first found fame as a member of the boyband Take That in the early 1990s, becoming one of the most recognisable faces of the decade. Now in his fifties, he remains active in music, balancing his work as a solo artist with his ongoing role in the group. This profile looks at his age, his family life with wife Emma Ferguson, and the career that has kept him in the public eye for over three decades.
From the moment Take That burst onto the scene, the band’s line-up has shifted, but Owen has remained a constant presence. His journey from a teenager in Oldham to a multi-platinum-selling star is a well-documented one, yet questions about his personal life, especially regarding his marriage and children, continue to be a topic of interest for fans.
This article provides a clear, fact-based overview of Mark Owen’s biography, his career timeline, and his life as a family man, addressing common queries about his past and his current status with the band.
Who is Mark Owen from Take That and How Old is He Now?
Mark Owen is a British singer-songwriter who rose to prominence as a core member of Take That. Born on 27 January 1972 in Oldham, Lancashire, he is 54 years old in 2026. He joined the band in 1989 after the group was assembled around Gary Barlow by manager Nigel Martin-Smith.
Mark Anthony Owen
27 January 1972
Emma Ferguson (married 2009)
Member of Take That (2005–present)
Key insights into Mark Owen’s life and career:
- Mark Owen joined Take That in 1989, when he was 17 years old.
- He is best known for hits like “Back for Good” and “Never Forget” with the group.
- His solo career includes five studio albums, with “Land of Dreams” reaching No. 5 in 2022.
- He won the second series of Celebrity Big Brother in 2002.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| First Name | Mark |
| Last Name | Owen |
| Birth Date | 27 January 1972 |
| Birth Place | Oldham, Lancashire, England |
| Group Joining Year | 1989 |
| First Wife | No public record of a previous marriage |
| Current Wife | Emma Ferguson |
| Wedding Date | November 2009 |
| Number of Children | Three (1 son, 2 daughters) |
| Career Start | Take That (1990s) |
Who is Mark Owen’s Wife and What is His Family Life Like?
Mark Owen is married to actress Emma Ferguson. Their relationship is a long-standing one, with the couple meeting in 2004 before getting engaged in 2006. They reportedly married in November 2009. The couple have three children together: a son named Elwood Jack Owen and two daughters, Willow Rose Owen and Fox India Owen.
Mark Owen’s wife is Emma Ferguson. Sources confirm they were engaged in 2006 before marrying in 2009. He has not been previously married, according to available public records.
Mark Owen’s Children
The couple are parents to three children. Their son, Elwood Jack Owen, was born before their marriage, while their daughters, Willow Rose Owen and Fox India Owen, have also been in the public eye, though the family generally keeps details of their lives private.
What Are Mark Owen’s Recent Activities and His Solo Tour Plans?
As of the information available, there has been no official announcement regarding a 2026 solo tour for Mark Owen. While he released his last solo album, Land of Dreams, in 2022, which reached No. 5 on the UK Albums Chart, his primary focus in recent years has been with Take That. The group released Wonderland in 2017 and continues to perform.
Mark Owen’s Solo Discography
Beyond his work with Take That, Owen has released a number of solo projects. His albums include Green Man (1996), In Your Own Time (2003), How the Mighty Fall (2005), The Art of Doing Nothing (2013), and Land of Dreams (2022). His early solo hit “Child” reached the UK Top 3.
Mark Owen is one of the few Take That members to have sustained a parallel solo career while remaining a core part of the band’s reunion, which began in 2005.
When Did Mark Owen Join Take That and What Happened After the 90s?
From 1990s Stardom to Reunion
Mark Owen joined Take That in 1989. After the band initially split in 1996, Owen pursued a solo career, following the release of his debut album Green Man. He stepped back from the spotlight for a few years, during which time he won Celebrity Big Brother in 2002. In 2005, the band reformed, and Owen has been a consistent member ever since.
Mark Owen’s Presence in the 2020s
In recent years, Owen has balanced his role in Take That with solo work. The group has sold millions of records in the UK, and by 2024, they had accumulated sales of 14.4 million albums and 14.6 million singles. While there are no specific plans for a 2026 solo tour, his activities with the band remain a central part of his public life. For verified chart positions and career milestones, the Official Charts profile is a reliable source.
What is the Timeline of Mark Owen’s Life and Career?
Here is a chronological timeline of key events in Mark Owen’s life:
- 1972: Born in Oldham, Lancashire, England.
- 1989: Joined Take That at the age of 17.
- 1996: Take That split; Owen releases first solo album Green Man.
- 2002: Won the second series of Celebrity Big Brother.
- 2003: Released second solo album In Your Own Time.
- 2005: Take That reunite; releases How the Mighty Fall.
- 2009: Married Emma Ferguson in November.
- 2013: Released The Art of Doing Nothing.
- 2014: Take That releases III.
- 2022: Releases solo album Land of Dreams, debuting at No. 5.
What is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear About Mark Owen’s Life?
Established Information:
It is confirmed that Mark Owen is married to Emma Ferguson, with at least three known children (Elwood, Willow, Fox). He has been a member of Take That since 1989, and his role within the band is well-documented. His solo work is also a matter of public record. The Wikipedia biography provides a comprehensive overview.
Information That Remains Uncertain:
Despite some public curiosity, there is no verified information about a “first wife.” The query often stems from confusion, but there are no public records of a previous marriage for Mark Owen. Additionally, while fans speculate about future projects, no official announcements have been made regarding a 2026 solo tour.
Why is Mark Owen Often Mentioned with Howard Donald?
Howard Donald is another core member of Take That, and the two are often mentioned together as they have been bandmates for decades. Both joined in the late 1980s and have remained with the group through its various line-ups. Unlike Mark Owen’s well-publicised personal life, details about Howard Donald’s personal life and children are less frequently covered in the available sources.
While both are key members, their public profiles differ. Mark Owen’s personal life, particularly his marriage and children, has been a subject of media interest, whereas Howard Donald’s life outside the band is more private. The available sources confirm their professional relationship but do not provide extensive details on Donald’s family. For context on family life, Heart.co.uk has a summary of his age, wife, and children.
Sources and Official Information
For readers looking to verify the facts, the primary sources include Mark Owen’s official biography on Wikipedia and his Last.fm artist page. These sources provide a comprehensive view of his professional achievements, personal life, and discography.
Regarding the 90s period, the Official Charts profile confirms his chart positions and career milestones. For a detailed look at his latest album and its reception, Genius discusses his artistic work. For a broader look at his music, including solo work, Apple Music has a dedicated artist page. Finally, fan communities and discussion boards often link to his work, though specific details about his personal life are best sourced from official interviews.
For additional perspective on his role in the band, the Last.fm wiki offers further detail on his discography and career milestones.
Summary
Mark Owen remains a significant figure in British pop culture, both as a solo artist and as a member of Take That. At 54 years old, his legacy is secure, with a career spanning over three decades. While his personal life with Emma Ferguson is a matter of public record, future plans such as a 2026 solo tour have not been announced. His story is one of resilience, from joining a boyband as a teenager to becoming a respected musician and family man.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mark Owen still in Take That?
Yes, Mark Owen is still an active member of Take That, having been part of the band since the 2005 reunion.
What is Mark Owen’s most famous song?
While with Take That, hits like “Back for Good” are iconic. As a solo artist, his early hit “Child” reached the UK Top 3.
How old was Mark Owen when he joined Take That?
He was just 17 years old when he joined the band in 1989.
Who is Howard Donald?
Howard Donald is a fellow member of Take That, having been in the group since its early days alongside Mark Owen.
What is Mark Owen’s latest solo album?
His latest solo album is Land of Dreams, released in 2022.
Daniel Mercer is Business & Economy Correspondent at RegionalReport.co.uk, covering regional business news, local economy, employment, retail and property.