George Michael’s family ‘overjoyed’ that Wham! song ‘Last Christmas’ has reached No 1

George Michael’s family have expressed delight at the news of Wham! classic “Last Christmas” reaching No 1 in the charts.

The 1984 hit, by Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, has topped the UK singles chart for the first time, more than three decades after it was first released.

It was streamed 9.2 million times over the last week, knocking LadBaby's “Don't Stop Me Eating” off the stop spot.

In a statement, Michael’s family said they were “overjoyed”. They added: “After such a difficult 2020 for all of us and at the time of year that was so special to George we are so grateful to everyone who made this possible and know how much it would have meant to him.”

Ridgeley said he was "somewhat amazed" the record had now reached number one.

He said he was "delighted" and "profoundly pleased" at the news, "albeit 36 years after its first release which is, perhaps more than anything, a testament to its timeless appeal and charm".

"It is a fitting tribute to George's song-writing genius and one of which he would have been immensely proud and utterly thrilled," Ridgeley added.

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