GALLERY: George Michael's life in his own words and pictures

The world is waking up to the tragic news that another icon, George Michael, has died aged 53.

George suffered heart failure at his Oxfordshire home on Christmas day, according to his manager Michael Lippin.

One of the biggest stars of the 80s and 90s, George met Andrew Ridgeley aged 12 at school in north London and the pair left aged 16 and set up Wham!

He went on to achieve huge success with his debut solo album ‘Faith’ and across his four-decade career, he wrote perfect pop music, emotional anthems, garnered 11 UK number one singles, sold over 100 million records worldwide and won fans in all creeds, age groups and corners of society.

By his own admission he didn’t have the most perfect life. The former teen idol had many run-ins with the law and was caught in a lewd act in a toilet in Los Angeles and slapped with a driving ban in the UK after he crashed into a Snappy Snaps store in Hampstead, north London. But he openly talked about his troubles, drug taking and sex life.

George was kind hearted, depressed, funny and honest, according to his many friends.

His hit ‘Last Christmas’ is the most played tune over the festive season year on year. It was kept off the number one spot in 1984 by Band Aid track ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ which he also performed on.

Needless to say, his songs, writing and influence will endure. Here is a snapshot of his life in his own words and pictures.

RIP George Michael (1963-2016).