GONE TOO SOON! SINGER GEORGE MICHAEL DIES AGED 53.

The singer, who had a string of hits with the band Wham! in the 1980s, died peacefully at home, his publicist confirmed.

In a statement they added: ‘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, real name Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou, sold over 100million albums throughout his 40 year career.

The Last Christmas singer almost died from pneumonia in 2011 and had to postpone a series of concerts after being taken to hospital.

At the time he said it was ‘touch and go’ whether he lived.

Earlier this month, producer Naughty Boy revealed he would be working with Michael on new material. He called it ‘the most interesting collaboration’ he’d ever done.

He was also set to reissue his 90s album Listen Without Prejudice Vol 1. alongside a film featuring Stevie Wonder and Elton John.

George was meant to narrate the movie, with the working title Freedom: George Michael, and musicians Mary J Blige, Mark Ronson, Tony Bennett and Liam Gallagher were due to feature.

Listen Without Prejudice, featuring hits such as Praying For Time, Mother’s Pride and Cowboys And Angels, was his second solo album and was almost entirely written by Michael.