Celebrity world pays tribute to George Michael

George Michael

Stars from around the world have taken to Twitter to pay tribute to George Michael, who passed away on Christmas Day aged 53.

Michael’s former Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley referred to the star using the affectionate nickname ‘Yog’, an acronym for ‘Yours Only George’, writing: “Heartbroken at the loss of my beloved friend Yog. Me, his loved ones, his friends, the world of music, the world at large. 4eva loved.”

Madonna posted a video from 1989 of her presenting Michael with an award, captioned: “Another Great Artist leaves us.”

Sir Elton John wrote, on Instagram: “I am in deep shock. I have lost a beloved friend – the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist. My heart goes out to his family and all of his fans.”

Michael’s publicist announced news of his death in a statement, saying the singer passed away peacefully at home in Oxford. Thames Valley are currently treating the death as unexplained but not suspicious.