BBC Slates WHAM!: Last Christmas Unwrapped

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the song, BBC Two and BBC Music are set to debut the hour-long WHAM!: Last Christmas Unwrapped in December.

From Blink Films and Sony Music Entertainment in association with Andrew Ridgeley and George Michael Entertainment, the Christmas classic tells the story of how George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley’s WHAM! turned one song into a cultural phenomenon.

The film features a reunion with some of the genuine group of close friends from the original music video, set against Saas-Fee in Switzerland. Mary J Blige, Sir Bob Geldof, Neil Tennant and Sam Smith, among others, will give their views on the song’s themes of unrequited love and loss.

Ridgeley said: “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 distill 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 commented: “’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 for Pop Music TV, added: “’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?”