bandmate George Michael's sister Melanie Panayiotou died suddenly over Christmas. George and Melanie shared a very close bond and through her pop star brother, Melanie also became very close with Ridgeley. Melanie had been the one to break the news to Andrew that George had died in 2016. George Michael & Me, Ridgeley said on Christmas Day he was texting George to thank him for a gift he'd been sent before receiving the life changing phone call from Melanie. The statement concluded: "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and celebrations to you all – we send our best from here in London!

Source: Daily Mirror December 27, 2019 17:02 UTC