George Michael stars in James Corden’s first EVER Carpool Karaoke singing WHAM classic
GEORGE Michael belting out WHAM hit I'm Your Man with actor James Corden proved the driving force behind the success of the funnyman's Carpool Karaoke.
The singer tragically passed away on Christmas Day, aged 53, at his home in Oxfordshire.
The pair buddied up for the charity sing-song which proved James' first Carpool Karaoke.
He is believed to have died from suspected heart failure with his publicist confirming the news in the early hours of this morning.
George and actor James teamed up for the hilarious Comic Relief charity skit back in 2011 - which has proved the first in a long line of in-vehicle celebrity Carpool Karaoke performances.
It saw him in-character as Gavin and Stacey star Smithy, taking to the wheel with WHAM vocalist George alongside him in the passenger seat.
They enjoyed some banter about George's sexuality, with George pleading with bubbly Smithy to be allowed to come to the Comic Relief event.
After his refusal, the Careless Whisper singer then bluntly said: "Oh come on, lets be honest, you don't want me coming with you because you don't want to be seen with a gay man
"I've seen you, the way you look at that mate of yours.
"What do you call him, Gavlar? Such a pair of closet bummers its ridiculous."
After his cheeky comment Smithy quipped: "What you get up to in your spare time is up to you - I can't walk into Comic Relief with you, Comic Relief is about helping people like you!"
His dig sparked a silence between the pair, who were wearing matching white tracksuit jackets.
Yet the WHAM track soon put a stop to the awkwardness.
James, still in role as Essex boy Smithy, popped on the car stereo and said: "We will just listen to some music.
"You love this one don't you!"
They then burst out into energetic dance routines, grinding in their seats as James hit the wheel with his hand
"I love it!" George squealed, as they threw their heads from side to side and sung out the track.
James' in-car spin off has since gone on to become a huge success.
He has featured special guests including Madonna, Michelle Obama and Britney Spears in the segment of his US programme, The Late Late Show.
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Actor James, who starred with George in their Comic Relief skit in 2011, paid tribute on Twitter and wrote: "I've loved George Michael for as long as I can remember. He was an absolute inspiration. Always ahead of his time."
George's tragic death, which happened on Christmas Day, was confirmed in the early hours of this morning.
Thames Valley Police said an ambulance attended a property in Goring, Oxfordshire, at 1,42pm today adding that his death was being treated as "unexplained but not suspicious".
They have confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
It is understood paramedics had been called after Michael was discovered by a friend.
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."
Tributes have been paid to the star, whose hits included Club Tropicana, Freedom, Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go, and Careless Whisper - which launched his solo career.
His Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley tweeted: "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"
It was revealed only weeks ago that he was planning on making a comeback next year with new material and a possible album - but died before he had the opportunity to complete his work.