BBC Two and BBC Music have commissioned WHAM!: Last Christmas Unwrapped – an “hour-long celebration” of the song’s 40th anniversary from Blink Films and Sony Music Entertainment, in association with Andrew Ridgeley and George Michael Entertainment.
WHAM!’s Last Christmas has gained four billion audio streams, one billion video views, reaching six times Platinum sales in the UK and USA, and the Number One chart position in 16 countries.
The special, to be broadcast on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer in December, reunites a cast of characters from the song’s history. Featuring prominent artists, music producers and industry experts, the Christmas TV special “delves into the inside story of Last Christmas’ creation and its enduring appeal.”
The show features new interviews from Andrew Ridgeley, Pepsi DeMacque-Crockett and Shirlie Kemp, as well as George Michael via archive radio and video footage. There are also contributions from fans and friends including Mary J Blige, Sir Bob Geldof, Neil Tennant and Sam Smith.
Andrew, Pepsi, Shirlie, and friends will revisit the video locations, revealing “exclusive, never-before-heard stories from the video that have remained a group secret – until now.”
The show includes rare archive footage, including an exclusive first broadcast of George Michael performing Last Christmas at Wembley Arena in December 2006, never seen before outtakes from the original 35mm music video footage, and George and Andrew’s personal photographs.
Andrew Ridgeley says: “It’s a privilege, 40 years on, to be able to have this opportunity to celebrate WHAM!’s wonderful and enduring musical homage to Christmas and I’m absolutely thrilled that WHAM! in partnership with The BBC will present this joyful and touching tribute to the nation this Christmas. Christmas was a special time of year for George and Christmas songs were a special type of song for him too and that was why he considered writing a Christmas classic one of the great achievements of his career. Only he will ever know quite what inspired him to such dizzying heights, but his songwriting genius led him to distil the quintessential essence of Christmas into a song whose breadth of appeal spans the generations. Revisiting Saas Fee, four decades on, with some of the closest friends of my youth was a very special experience and one which I know Yog would have loved to have shared in.”
George Michael Entertainment says: “Last Christmas remains as iconic today as it was 40 years ago, continuing to capture the essence of Christmas with the same magic and emotion. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the song, a true testament to George Michael’s songwriting brilliance. A timeless holiday classic, it holds a place among the greatest Christmas songs ever written, resonating with listeners of all ages and inspiring new generations today as it did 40 years ago. As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we are proud to be involved in this heartfelt tribute to the song, the video, and those involved. It offers fans the chance to relive the magic and gain fresh insight into the making of this beloved masterpiece, allowing us to share its enduring legacy with the public and fans around the world.”
Jonathan Rothery, Head of Commissioning, BBC Pop Music TV says: “Last Christmas is a flawless festive song that has stood the test of time. I’m delighted that the BBC is celebrating its 40th anniversary, who doesn’t want to spend an hour in the winter wonderland of WHAM! with George, Andrew, Pepsi and Shirlie?”
WHAM!: Last Christmas Unwrapped is presented by Sony Music Entertainment UK and produced by Blink Films in partnership with Andrew Ridgeley and George Michael Entertainment. It is directed by the BAFTA and Golden Globe-nominated Nigel Cole (Calendar Girls, Made in Dagenham).
In partnership with Sony Music Vision and Sony Music Entertainment UK, the feature documentary was acquired by Jonathan Rothery, Head of Commissioning, Pop Music TV, BBC. It is produced by Blink Films with Justine Kershaw and Laura Jones serving as Producers, with Nigel Cole directing.
Sony Pictures Entertainment handles distribution outside of the UK.
(Image: Tony McGee)
Jon Creamer
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