Pop superstar George Michael dies aged 53

The pop superstar George Michael has died at his home in Oxfordshire at the age of 53.

Thames Valley Police were called to Michael's home - Mill Cottage in Goring-on-Thames - shortly before 2pm on Christmas Day.

The singer, who's real name was Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou, died from heart failure according to his manager, Michael Lippman.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said George Michael's death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious. A post mortem is due to take place to establish the exact details.

His family released a statement confirming that he had "passed away peacefully" at the family home.

George Michael rose to fame as the lead singer of pop group Wham! in the 1980s. Their major hits included "Last Christmas" and "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go". The band sold more than 25 million records worldwide.

He then had a string of hits as a solo artist, including "Faith" and "Outside" and won a slew of awards, including three Brit Awards.

Michael's former Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley said he was "heartbroken at the loss of my beloved friend Yog", a nickname which refers to "Yours Only George".

George Michael was also well-known for being a prominent LGBT activist, after coming out as gay in 1998.

The charity Stonewall paid tribute to the singer: