George Michael: Freedom: 5 things you need to know about the Channel 4 documentary

Freedom was originally meant to be an autobiographical documentary about George Michael’s career, but became a touching tribute to the life of a music icon following his sad death last Christmas.

The collaboration between Michael and Channel 4, which has been years in the making, has been re-shot as a film to honour the late singer and will finally air on Monday night.

Michael still features as narrator on the film, while a host of his famous friends had to be re-interviewed to talk about the pop star in the past tense.

Here are five things you need to know George Michael: Freedom:

1. Kate Moss takes us inside Michael’s home

One of Michael’s best friends and neighbours, Kate Moss, opens the doors to his Highgate home.

The supermodel was spotted outside the house with a film crew just a few months ago and is thought to have filmed the first ever tour of the property.

2. A host of famous faces pay tribute

Stars including Liam Gallagher, Ricky Gervais, Mary J Blige, Elton John and Stevie Wonder have filmed interviewed for the documentary.

Supermodels Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford, Tatjana Patitz and Linda Evangelista, who starred in Michael’s 1990 video for Freedom, reunited to shoot a special tribute.

3. Adele opens the film

Adele, who has always been a huge fan of Michael, is thought to have recorded a version of Fast Love to be aired over the opening credits of the film.

The award-winning singer performed a version of the hit track as a tribute to the late star at the Grammy Awards earlier this year.

4. There have been extensive re-shoots

Much of the documentary had been completed by the time that Michael passed away on Christmas Day at the age of just 53.

The film had originally been slated to air in March, but had to be pushed back six months in order for the filmmakers to re-shoot huge portions.

Michael’s close friend David Austin created the project, with the backing of Sony Music.

5. His recent relationships don’t get a mention

Michael has always been famously tight-lipped about his private life, so it’s no surprise that his most recent relationships don’t get a mention.

While he discusses time with former partner Anselmo Feleppa his boyfriend of 12 years, Kenny Goss, doesn’t come up, nor does Fadi Fawaz, who was in a relationship with Michael when he died.

George Michael: Freedom is on Channel 4 at 9pm.