GEORGE MICHAEL TO REFORM 'WHAM'

George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley are to reform Wham!.The 80s pop duo, whose hits include 'Club Tropicana' and 'I'm Your Man', are reportedly planning to fly out to the US this summer to start recording tracks for a new album, with the possibility of a tour later. George made his wishes for a reunion known last year, and asked Andrew to join him on stage at his solo show at London's Wembley Arena last December. However, Andrew pulled out at the last minute because he was too nervous. A source said at the time: "Andrew was sick with nerves at the thought of appearing on stage after all these years, he backed out."Wham! split in 1986 and performed their last concert, 'The Finale', at the now demolished Wembley Stadium, in London, in June of that year. George has since enjoyed a phenomenally successful solo career. His debut album 'Faith' sold over 20 million copies worldwide. Andrew took a short break from pop after the band split but has continued to write songs for other artists under various pseudonyms.

GEORGE MICHAEL'S EQUIPMENT BURNS

George Michael

George Michael's New Year's Eve show ended in disaster after a large quantity of music equipment was destroyed by fire.The singer - who is believed to have pocketed millions to perform at Russian billionaire Vladimir Potanin's private party - lost thousands of pounds worth of equipment when the blaze began at Potanin's Moscow estate. A source told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "Loads of his gear was melted and some of his band's instruments were wrecked when they were covered in ash."Other kit was damaged by water from fire crews. But I reckon George's pay check should just about cover it if Mr Potanin doesn't cough up."Equipment destroyed by fire included a 42 in plasma teleprompt and a variety of musical instruments. It has been reported the fire was started by a crew member experimenting with unused pyrotechnics from the show. Michael, 43, was already on a private jet back to the UK when the blaze began.The 'Careless Whisper' singer - accompanied by his lover Kenny Goss and a 40ong entourage - was flown to Moscow by private jet to perform in front of 250 guests at Potanin's 20 acre estate. Potanin, who is the ninth richest man in Russia, is said to have personally asked Michael to perform and paid him in cash.The huge fee was the most ever paid for a single performance in Russia.

George Michael and boyfriend Kenny Gross