one is george and the other is robbie williams. a cover of george michael. when you listen to the song, you think, that is what it was like to be in the band. it was mental and for him to break away from that and come outwith... a lot of people think that careless whisper was his first solo song but it wasn't it was face. a little earlier i also spoke to the reverend who was once a member of a pop group. my favourite memory of him was at elton john's 40th birthday party. there was a disco with a lone dj quietly paying re cord disco with a lone dj quietly paying record all night long. i went over to say hello and discovered it was george michael. he played one of apple records. that was typical of him. he was self—effacing and unassuming. easy company. a nice quy- unassuming. easy company. a nice guy. it's clear to me that he has inspired a lord of your talent. i interviewed robbie williams when he got the solo contract. he said that he wanted to have the same solo career he wanted to have the same solo career that george michael ha

i remember interviewing robbie williams when he became so low and his first solo single was freedom 90rge michael howard and he got it, didn't he? he is hugely inspirational too many people, george michael. and also in an era when pop stars are pre—packaged and glossy, i think what george michael managed to do despite all the success, he retained humanity. they do not become a stranger to himself. he retained his vulnerability and his thoughtfulness. also, his exploration of himself and his identity and turn that into a wonderful, enduring pop career. did he ends by the likes of robbie williams and other pop stars because he went from teen idol to adult credible performer? yes, i think georgia recognised how changes in technology and the way music was recorded, sold and distributed, there were opportunities there, too. he always had a businesslike relationship with record companies are was good at dealing with them. everybody there, executives, secretaries, receptionists. he would ta ke secretaries, receptionists. he would take the time and bother to get to know everybody. he was thoug

it makes you wonder how many stars inspired, as you say, robbie williams.nd coverage. thank you. that was a former member of the successful boy band blue. lots more reaction coming in, including from polygon. it was absolutely impromptu. he just wanted to polygon. it was absolutely impromptu. hejust wanted to be a pa rt impromptu. hejust wanted to be a part of it. he wasn't on the list but he came and said that he would love to do something, looking at what you've done, the only song i know all the words to is every time you go away. he was practically out of the limousine and onto the stage. and he sang like a bird. the 80s was crazy, it was a mad period for music. there was a lot of innovation and different styles. every band had and different styles. every band had a different style and sound. we heard his sound with wham! but then obviously he had other ideas in his head already because careless whisper was something that he wrote way before it was released as a single. but he always had the incredible pop sensibility. some people have a voice and you h

robbie williams, leroux also shed their -- also said condolences. >> i admire him as an artist.all thed because artists that have gone this year. they seem to be forgotten. heartfelt most tribute came from lgbt activists around the world, including in taiwan, where he is celebrated as a gay icon and a strong supporter of gay rights. was a very brave person who stayed true to himself. it was beautiful. the fact that he passed away makes me sad. he counts as a very special icon in the gay community and he lived through amazing times. i think he left this world happy. waseorge michael particularly famous in asia. the firstham! became western pop band to play and china's beijing was slowly opening up to the outside world. annette: we spoke with music journalist matt thompson. the ability to make these really fun pop songs that everybody could engage with and understand within one lesson. go-go"e up for for you is just fun. all that is about. a songhristmas" alone is i have heard a dozen times in the last week before this happened. it is just a real shame that we will forever associa

hgppy happy christmas to everybody watching bbc breakfast from me, robbie williams. be settling in for a day of presents, food and drink with family. but not everyone will be spending today in a traditional way, and hundreds of thousands of people will be working today. drjoel lockwood is one of those, he's one of the people manning 0ne slightly more unusual way of celebrating the big day is taking a rather chilly dip in the sea. the 52nd annual charity swim will be taking place today at coney beach in porthcawl. it's organised by gareth 0wens, and he can tell me all about it now. tell us about the history. hello, merry christmas. this is 52nd swim. my merry christmas. this is 52nd swim. my father was one of the originators 52 years ago. it is merely to get community spirit and get people out for a bit of fresh air before their big lunch. we decided to collect money and over the years, we've collected in excess of £10,000. we raised £8,000 last year and given to various charities so it is a great morning. we have over 1000 swimmers who will turn up about 11 o'clock.

i interviewed robbie williams when he finally got his solo contract that he had been battling for, ande said he wanted to have the same solo career as george michael, and he has got it. he was hugely inspirational, george michael, to a lot of people. sometimes when pop stars are very sleek and glossy, in spite of being caught up with success early on, he retained his full humanity. he wasn't a stranger to himself in the throes of success. he understood his exploration of himself and retained his vulnerability. do you think he inspired other pop stars because he made that break from teen idol to adults credible slick performer?” think he recognised changes in technology, distribution, and how records were bought and sold. he a lwa ys records were bought and sold. he always had a businesslike relationships with record companies and was very good at dealing with them, not just and was very good at dealing with them, notjust executives, but i can remember he was good with people who could do research, he would take time and bother to get to know them too. he was also very ambitious, but th

robbie williams among those providing the entertainment after a year in which british sport has certainly 2016. boxer nicola adams, footballer gareth bale, triathlete alistair brownlee, dressage star sophie christiansen, sprinter and cyclist kadeena cox and athlete mo farah. there is cycling's golden couple jason kenny and laura kenney formerly laura trott. andy murray, swimmer adam peaty and hockey captain kate richardson walsh. how about show—jumper nick skelton, dame sarah storey, footballerjamie vardy, gymnast max whitlock or golfer danny willett? viewers will decide tonight. one thing is already settled, michael phelps will receive a lifetime achievement award, the american swimmer finishing his career in rio with a record 23 olympic titles. but the main trophy is very much up for grabs. after andy murray's triumph told months ago, whose name will be etched on this special sporting year? a rare asian elephant calf has been born at chester zoo. the baby, who is yet to be named, was born to 12—year—old mother sundara after a 22—month gestation. she's the 19th elephant to be born at the