Barlow had not been confirmed as taking part in the Olympic closing ceremony but rumour had it that he was on the line-up. It is now thought that the Take That star will reach a decision on whether to take part by the end of the week.

Barlow, 41, and his wife Dawn, 42, are said to be in shock after their fourth child was stillborn.

Barlow said in a statement issued through his agent: “Dawn and I are devastated to announce that we’ve lost our baby. Poppy Barlow was delivered stillborn on August 4 in London.

“Our focus now is giving her a beautiful funeral and loving our three children with all our hearts. We’d ask at this painful time that our privacy be respected.”

A spokesman for Locog would not confirm that Barlow and Take That were set to perform at the London 2012 closing ceremony.

Still on the line-up are acts including One Direction, Ed Sheeran, George Michael and The Who. Unconfirmed rumours suggest that The Spice Girls may also grace the stage.

Britain’s Got Talent 2010 winners Spellbound also on the closing ceremony line-up.  The acrobatic group are planning an extravaganza of dazzling throws and other gymnastic feats.

You can get more info on the London 2012 Olympics closing ceremony here: london2012.com/spectators/ceremonies/closing-ceremony