It's being reported Robin Gibb has been unable to speak for the last week, having had a tracheotomy tube fitted to his neck.

The 62-year-old Manxman is currently communicating by blinking.

Singer and close friend Jim Dooley told the Daily Telegraph newspaper, ''Dwina (his wife) has said that because he spent so long in a coma there are a lot of things he will have to learn to do again if he comes through it.

''He will have to re-learn how to walk. It's 50/50 whether he comes through this but Dwina is a wonderful woman and is giving him all the love you can give.''

The Bee Gee was in a 12-day coma last month, but has astounded doctors with his recovery since emerging from it.

He's still battling colon cancer, although his chemotherapy treatment is on hold while he regains strength, according to The Sun newspaper.