By Sewe Ishola

While the world was in a jolly mood, superstar but reclusive British singer, George Michael died of heart failure at the age of 53 on Christmas day.

According to a statement issued by his publicist, who announced his passing “away peacefully at home” at 11pm last night.

“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.”

However, the Police are describing the death as “unexplained but not suspicious”.

They said paramedics attended his home in Goring in Oxfordshire at 1.42pm today – where he was declared dead at the scene.

George Michael has sold more than 80 million records worldwide in a career spanning four decades – but his life in recent years has been dogged by controversy