Tomorrow will mark one year since the passing of pop music icon George Michael.

The singer, born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou, passed away on Christmas Day in what was later confirmed by coroners as dilated cardiomyopathy with myocarditis and fatty liver in his home in England.

Leaving behind a glittering career and a history of charitable work - much of which he kept secret - Michael's family issued a statement to media on the eve of the anniversary. "We know that we are not alone in our mourning the anniversary of his loss. Christmas is not always easy, life isn’t perfect and families are complicated."

"So if you can, in his memory this year, take a moment and a deep breath and say those ‘I Love You’s out loud."