An update has appeared on the red nose climb site. It is Gary's back that's the problem, but it sounds as if it will be ok for the climb.

Due to a hectic training schedule for his Comic Relief climb of Kilimanjaro and to promote the new Take That single 'Up All Night', the muscles in Gary' Barlow's back have gone into spasm. Gary saw an eminent specialist this morning together with Professor Greg Whyte who is the trainer for the 'BT Red Nose Climb' and has been treated appropriately for this minor injury.

There is no cause for concern as long as Gary continues to respond well to treatment and rests from now until he departs for the climb. Gary saw the specialist as a precaution because he is determined that he will be fit and well to continue his mission to raise mountains of cash for Red Nose Day which falls on March 13th this year.

The singer, 38, injured his fourth vertebra while training for the trek.

But he was said to be determined to be fit in time to leave on Friday.

Gary was hours from pulling out of performances at the Brit Awards and a benefit concert for Warchild on Wednesday — but kept going with strong painkillers.

The next day the Back for Good singer was whisked off for a scan at the Olympic Medical Institute in Harrow, West London.

A source said: “Gary has had a twinge in his back for a few weeks. He has a baby daughter and lifting her also put pressure on it.

“He is now flat on his back at home so the swelling goes down.”

A Comic Relief spokeswoman said: “We are fortunate to have the support of eminent sport professionals on the climb. Gary is lucky they found the injury in early stages.”

Celebrities including Radio 1’s CHRIS MOYLES, 34, and GIRLS ALOUD beauty CHERYL COLE, 25, will also take part in the BT Red Nose Kili Climb in Tanzania, Africa.