Sir Paul McCartney is ''getting fit'' following his recent illness, according to Ringo Starr.

The 72-year-old music icon was hospitalised in Tokyo, Japan, for six nights due to a virus last month and had plenty of moral support from his former Beatles bandmate.

Ringo is quoted by the Daily Mirror newspaper as saying: ''I spoke to him while he was in hospital. He said he was doing OK. Now he is getting fight and getting ready to rock.''

Paul was forced to cancel several concerts in Asia after coming down ill, but he is now recuperating on holiday in Ibiza with his wife NANCY SHEVELL, 53.

A source previously said: ''Paul has really been through the mill. He was desperately sad he had to cancel those shows but he was really poorly. But he is on the mend which is great news.''

Paul, who celebrated his 72nd birthday last week, has also postponed some of his 'Out There!' tour shows in the US but is expected to be back on stage on July 5 when he kicks off the North American leg of the worldwide jaunt.

Writing on his official website, Sir Paul said: ''I'm sorry but it's going to be a few more weeks before we get rocking in America again. I'm feeling great but my docs' advice to take it easy for just a few more days. Look forward to seeing you all soon.''