A host of music stars and celebrities have been paying tribute to Gary Barlow's courage after he performed at the Olympic Closing Ceremony just over a week after losing his fourth child.

The singer was due to become a father once again with baby Poppy, but sadly she was delivered stillborn on August 4.

Take That performed the song 'Rule The World' as the finale of the London 2012 Closing Ceremony last night (August 12) without Robbie Williams as the Olympic Games officially came to an end.

A number of celebrities took to Twitter to express their admiration for Barlow for performing so soon after his baby tragedy, with Lily Rose Cooper (Lily Allen) tweeting:

"I don't know how Gary Barlow does it. #amazing” hugest respect for @GBarlowOfficial."

Girls Aloud star Kimberley Walsh meanwhile said: "Full of admiration for @GbarlowOfficial tonight."

Comic David Walliams called Barlow a "national treasure", tweeting: "We love you Gary. Gary Barlow. A brave man. And a national treasure."