Wham!

Last Christmas: The Musical Unicorn We Never Knew We Needed!

Unravel the sweet secrets behind Wham!'s Last Christmas as we celebrate its 40th anniversary like a bottle of festive sherry! 🎄🎶

Christmas may not be as festive without that iconic tune, and BBC Two’s documentary, "Wham! Last Christmas Unwrapped," takes us on a delightful trip down memory lane, celebrating one of the greatest yuletide songs of all time. This captivating special goes beyond the catchy chorus and delves deep into the genius of George Michael, showcasing how timeless the tune has remained since its 1984 debut. As we cozy up with mulled wine and gingerbread, this documentary makes the perfect pairing for our holiday binge-watching!

But that's not all – the stars behind the magic, Pepsi and Shirlie, have reunited to spill the cocoa on their experiences working with George and Andrew Ridgeley. Their heartfelt anecdotes and shared laughter over the years make us feel like we’re part of the Wham! family as they reminisce about yesteryears in the documentary. Not only do they highlight the song's charm, but they also illuminate how much of a cultural touchstone it has become in British pop history.

Andrew Ridgeley himself makes a poignant appearance, recalling how he found it difficult to listen to "Last Christmas" following the tragic passing of his dear friend and bandmate, George Michael, on Christmas Day in 2016. It’s both a celebration and a bittersweet homage, merging nostalgia with the emotional heft of memories lost and friendships cherished. Ridgeley's stories, along with behind-the-scenes footage from the original 1984 video, provide a glimpse into the creative process and the dynamics that made Wham! an iconic duo.

As we countdown to Christmas, it’s fascinating to see how "Last Christmas" continues to reign supreme in the UK's festive hearts. In a recent survey, this beloved ballad was voted as the UK's favourite Christmas song, receiving a whopping 40% of the votes. Following closely in second place was The Pogues’ fevered favourite, "Fairytale of New York". This festive throwback reminds us just how powerful this song is, making us relive heartfelt breakups and dance like nobody’s watching.

Did you know that when "Last Christmas" first hit the airwaves, it was accompanied by a now-legendary music video featuring snowy landscapes and a love story that leaves viewers reaching for the tissues? The creative minds even cast Kathy Hill, who has shared her hilarious memories of portraying George Michael’s ex-girlfriend in the upbeat and unforgettable visual. This year marks 40 years since "Last Christmas" was first released, and with new insights shared through the documentary, it’s clear that its legacy is far from over!