Gary Barlow and wife Dawn
Gary and Dawn Barlow. Reuters

Take That star Gary Barlow and his wife Dawn said they were devastated after their baby daughter was stillborn.

Dawn went into labour early with their hoped-for fourth child, Poppy, just day before the due date.

"Dawn and I are devastated to announce that we've lost our baby," the X Factor judge said.

"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."

The 41-year-old singer and his partner, a 42-year-old former dancer, are parents to Daniel, 11, Emily, nine, and Daisy, three.

A friend told the Daily Mail that they were "in pieces" over the tragedy.

"Gary and Dawn are just heartbroken. This is completely senseless. They just want time to grieve now, and be with their children," the friend said.

Fan and celebrities expressed their condolences on Twitter.

Fellow X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos wrote: "My thoughts & prayers are with @GBarlowOfficial and wife dawn tonight. Heartbreaking x."

A fan tweeted: "Can I just say my heart goes out to gary barlow and his family such sad news every parent's worst nightmare x"

Twitter London