George Michael’s Wham co-star Andrew Ridgeley pays tribute to his ‘beloved friend’
GEORGE Michael’s Wham co-star Andrew Ridgeley has paid tribute to the singer, calling George his ‘beloved friend.’
Iconic singer George died from 'heart failure' at his home in Oxford aged 53.
Shortly after Michael's death, Andrew told his Twitter followers he was devastated at losing George, who he nicknamed “yog”.
He said: “Heartbroken at the loss of my beloved friend Yog.
“Me, his loved ones, his friends, the world of music, the world at large. 4ever loved. A xx”
Earlier this evening Thames Valley Police said an ambulance attended a property in Goring, Oxfordshire, at 1,42pm today.
They confirmed there were were no suspicious circumstances in George's death, adding it was "unexplained".
In a statement, the star's publicist said: "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.
"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's longtime manager Michael Lippman reportedly told Billboard cause of death was believed to be heart failure.
The star was last pictured eating with friends, close to his home in Oxford, in September.
Elton wasn't alone, with some of George's closest friends reaching out.
Duran Duran posted: "2016 - loss of another talented soul. All our love and sympathy to @GeorgeMichaels family."
Matt Lucas, who worked with the singer during a sketch for BBC comedy Little Britain, said: "Well 2016, you had to just take one more, didn't you?"
His Little-Britain co-star David Walliams said: "I pray George Michael finally finds peace.
"A deeply private man with an awe-inspiring talent that couldn't help but make him a superstar."
Michael and bandmate Andrew decided to bow out at the top, pulling the plug on their partnership with a final chart-topping single The Edge Of Heaven in 1986 and triumphant Wembley shows.
In 1987 Michael released his first solo album Faith and went on to have successful career.
All of his albums reached top spot in the charts, with the exception of Songs From The Last Century, which claimed the position twice.
Just weeks ago, producer Naughty Boy revealed he was working with Michael on his next album.
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