Geri Halliwell-Horner recalls gesture from George Michael after Spice Girls exit

22 October 2023 , 19:57

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George Michael and Geri Halliwell-Horner were close friends (Image: Getty Images)

Spice Girls superstar Geri Halliwell-Horner has recalled a touching gesture made by her "father figure" George Michael.

The Wham! star tragically passed away aged 53 on Christmas Day 2016. Close friend Geri released a song about the late pop star in 2017, Angels in Chains. The ballad features the emotional lyrics: "The brightest star burns half as long, who knows why the good die young? I wonder where you've gone... say goodbye, it's time to heal the pain."

In a new interview, Geri has revealed the singer bought her a "beautiful" item of jewellery, that she still cherishes to this day.

George was a close friend to Geri, with the pair even living together when she had her first baby (PA)

George passed away on Christmas Day in 2016 (WireImage)

As part of Elle's Ask Me Anything series, she said: "George Michael - he was almost like a father figure to me, a step-in husband for me, throughout my 20s and 30s. And when I first left the Spice Girls, I had this party. He bought me this beautiful watch, and it's very elegant." Geri continued: "It's like a Grace Kelly watch, and he was almost helping me evolve from one stage of my life to the next. And that watch just means everything - support, kindness - which I really appreciate."

The pair first met at the Capital Music Awards when Geri was attending with the Spice Girls. A long-time fan and admirer, the pair ended up becoming close friends, with George even taking her in when she had nowhere to live after having her first baby, Bluebell. Speaking after George's death, Geri told the Mirror: "When I was so vulnerable having had my first baby, I had nowhere to live and he invited me into his home. I lived there with a newborn for nine months. On one of her birthday parties, he popped round and was there with me the whole day. It was me and George Michael hosting my daughter's party. He was utterly lovely and so sweet with the children. It was no trouble for him to give up his day for me."

Patsy Palmer stuns in Spice Girl tribute to star who almost took EastEnders role

George was just 53 when he passed away (Getty Images)

Geri learned of her friend's death on Twitter, late at night. She said she didn't believe what she had read at first, explaining: "I didn't know how to process it, and I was very heavily pregnant so my hormones were all over the place. When somebody dies, people sometimes take a while to grieve. I was like the walking wounded."

The mum-of-two pledged to keep George's memory alive by celebrating his life. She added: "The artist, the man, and the great human being who will forever be in our hearts. I loved him because he was amazing. No matter how long we went without seeing each other, we'd always just pick it straight back up. That’s the best kind of friend anyone can have."

Geri even named her son Monty after her late pal.

Amelia Ward