George Michael’s family draw up plans for tragic star’s funeral in a 30-seat chapel where ex-Spice Girl Geri Horner will give a reading
GEORGE Michael’s family have drawn up plans to stage his funeral in a tiny 30-seat chapel.
The service for the superstar, 53, found dead in bed on Christmas Day, is expected to be held next week in Highgate West Cemetery, North London.
It lies just 250 yards from where George is expected to be buried, alongside his beloved mother Lesley.
A source told The Sun on Sunday: “The funeral is going to be a very small, private gathering. The chapel only seats 30 so, apart from family, there won’t be many others there.
“The details are a closely-guarded secret. Most guests will be told what’s going on a few hours beforehand. The idea is to avoid them being mobbed by fans trying to get a glimpse of their idol’s farewell.”
There has been no official announcement of the date and location of the funeral. But it is believed his former friend, ex-Spice Girl Geri Horner will give a reading.
The source claimed she was asked after George’s Wham! partner Andrew Ridgeley declined, fearing he would be too overwhelmed with emotion.
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They said: “Andrew overcame massive anxieties to perform a tribute at the Brits. He was asked to read at the funeral but felt it would be too much. Instead, Geri has been asked to speak.
“The choice has raised eyebrows among some of his friends as the two weren’t close when he died.”
Built in 1839, the chapel has an azure-blue dome ceiling decorated with white vine sculptures and elaborate stained glass windows.
Blast for TV show claim
GEORGE Michael’s family members have turned their backs on a Channel 5 documentary that claims to document the singer’s last days.
The one-off programme - titled The Last Days of George Michael - will air on Thursday.
And a family source told the Sun on Sunday: “We have nothing to do with the documentary. No one close to George has been involved in the making of it.
“Some people have been asked, but have immediately declined. As far as we understand it, it must be a collection of old footage of George.
“George had tight controls over material and footage of himself.
“So even if brilliant unseen footage exists, I’d be very surprised if it could be released without his permission.”