ITV plans three-hour show to mark George Michael's 60th birthday

01 April 2023 , 18:40

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George passed away at Christmas in 2016 (Image: Getty Images)

A three-hour tribute to George Michael celebrating what would have been his 60th birthday is being planned by ITV chiefs.

The pop superstar’s death six-and-a-half years ago at the age of 53 sent shockwaves around the world.

And insiders tell us the June TV special will be the biggest celebration of his life and legacy to date.

Among those expected to contribute are his Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley and backing singer Shirlie Kemp – along with her husband Martin – as well as former Spice Girl Geri Horner and singer Liam Gallagher, who were both close pals with George. Years & Years star Olly Alexander is also likely to take part in the wide-ranging tribute.

Andrew Ridgeley is expected to take part in the show (Mike Marsland/WireImage)

Liam Gallagher was good friends with George (WireImage)

A source tells us: “ITV is working on a tribute for George for his milestone birthday in June.

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“In spite of the huge loss felt around the world when he died and the calls for a tribute concert, there’s never been an event celebrating his life and all he achieved.

“ITV want this to be the celebration he deserves.

“It will be a joyous coming together of all George’s friends and loved ones to highlight his incredible legacy.”

Geri Horner was close to the late Wham! singer (UK Press via Getty Images)

Wham! icon George was found dead in his Oxfordshire home on Christmas Day 2016.

Following his death, there was a widespread clamour for his music to be celebrated in a star-studded concert. Childline founder Dame Esther Rantzen – one of George’s great friends through his charity work – attempted to arrange a concert at the Royal Albert Hall with the support of Bob Geldof and Simon Cowell.

But it was called off after George’s family refused to give the charity event their backing.

Olly Alexander is also expected to take part (Mike Marsland/WireImage)

Our source adds: “Celebra­ting 60 years of George is the perfect way to honour the memory of one of our all-time best-selling musicians.

“ITV want it to be a tribute that people will look back on in years to come. They are planning something really special.”

Laura Armstrong