Pop superstar George Michael dies aged 53

Singer George Michael has died aged 53.

He died “peacefully” at his home in Oxfordshire on Christmas day. His death was announced by his publicist.

Police have said his death was not suspicious. His manager, Michael Lippman, said he had died of heart failure.

The star, who launched his career with Wham! in the 1980s and had huge success as a solo performer, “passed away peacefully” on Christmas Day in Goring, Oxfordshire, his publicist said.

Michael’s family announced news of his death in a statement issued through the singer’s publicist.

“It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beloved son, brother and friend George passed away peacefully at home over the Christmas period,” it said.

“The family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time. There will be no further comment at this stage.”

Michael, who was born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou in north London, sold more than 100 million albums throughout a career spanning almost four decades.

He first found fame with schoolfriend Ridgeley in duo Wham! – reaching number one in the UK singles charts on four occasions. One of the band’s most enduring songs Last Christmas, is currently number 16 in the UK singles chart.

The song was originally released in 1984 and is the biggest selling single not to reach number one.

It was kept off the chart’s top spot by Band Aid’s Do They Know It’s Christmas, which actually featured Michael.

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