Gary Barlow showed huge courage to perform at the Olympic closing ceremony last night alongside his group Take That, and the decision by the singer, who of course tragically lost his baby daughter Poppy a little over a week ago, was met with widespread support and tribute. With Barlow in turmoil, there were many expecting that Take That would drop out of the three hour-long extravaganza, however he made an emotional appearance alongside Mark Owen, Jason Orange and Howard Donald, to perform 'Rule The World' as the Olympic torch was brought to the ground.
Barlow's performance ignited Twitter, with well wishes coming from all and sundry. Singer Lily Allen tweeted "I don't know how Gary Barlow does it. What a guy, seriously brave." Allen herself has suffered the premature loss of a child previously. Daybreak's Lorraine Kelly commented: "Good on Gary Barlow for performing at such a tough time for him and his family." Her sentiments were echoed by 'This Morning' presenter Philip Schofield, who tweeted: "This is so brilliant. Tough moment for Gary but beautifully done." His co-presenter Holly Willoughby, meanwhile, added: "Gary... don't know how to put it into words... Xxx".
Denise Van Outen joined the clamour, writing "So moving. Gary is amazing for doing this". And talk show host Piers Morgan said "I don't know how Gary Barlow's had the strength to do this tonight - Rip his poor little girl. Poppy." Gary Barlow's baby Poppy will no doubt be forever remembered by the singer, his family, band-mates and fans.