Singer George Michael has tragically passed away at his home this afternoon.
The huge star pioneered his way to fame through the band Wham with hits such as Last Christmas, Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go and Careless Whisper before going onto later success in his solo career.
Thames Valley Police claim South Central Ambulance Service attended a property in Oxfordshire at 13:42 GMT this afternoon where Michael ‘died peacefully’, according to the BBC.
The singer was aged just 53.
In the immediate aftermath of his death family members claimed that Michael’s death was unexplained however police confirmed that there are no suspicious circumstances.
Tributes to Michael flowed in as social media users realised that 2016 had claimed yet another icon:
George Michael was born in 1963 as Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou in North London.
Michael went onto sell over 100 million albums throughout his career and is known for countless classics throughout his four decades of song writing.
His death was confirmed by his publicist who wrote:
It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beloved son, brother and friend George passed away peacefully at home over the Christmas period.
The family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time. There will be no further comment at this stage.
Our thoughts go out to George’s family and friends at this hard, hard time.
Rest in peace George Michael.
