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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Emmeline Saunders

Melanie Panayiotou's last words praising George Michael just hours before she died

Melanie Panayiotou's last public words were about her love for older brother George Michael, just two days before her sudden death aged 55.

The Careless Whisper singer's hairdresser sister is believed to have been found dead at her London home on Christmas Day - exactly three years since George died in similar circumstances.

In a statement to the Mirror, the Metropolitan Police said: "Police were called by London Ambulance Service at approximately 19:35hrs on Wednesday, 25 December to reports of the sudden death of a woman, aged in her 50s, at an address in Oak Hill Park, NW3.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious by police.

"A report will be compiled for the Coroner into the circumstances."

George Michael with his beloved sister Melanie Panayiotou in the early 1980s (PIP-Landmark Media)

Melanie had issued a joint statement alongside older sister Yioda, their dad Jack and George's former manager David Austin on December 23 - 48 hours before her own death.

In it, she had penned: "Hello Everybody, Lovelies, (and pets of Lovelies)! We have come full circle again and Christmas time (and the holidays), are upon us once more.

"I think we as a family, (there are lots of us, we Greek Cypriots, we're everywhere)!! have come to fully appreciate (although we already knew really), quite how much love there is out there in the world, for both Yog and his beautiful music.

Devoted Melanie jetted around the world with George at the height of his fame (PIP-Landmark Media)

"We know how much his lyrics can offer support when things are tough and help celebrate when times are good and life is going well… and that is just as powerful now as if he were still with us and as many of you say in your messages, it's a gift."

The family had gone on: "It seems important that his generosity of spirit and natural empathy have touched you in a way that would have him embarrassed, all your kind words are really good to hear and we know you have always known his true heart.

"Thank you for embracing and supporting the 'Last Christmas' movie and soundtrack, we knew you would enjoy it!! 'This Is How' is good, isn't it?? We love that you love it, as would Yog.

Melanie with Shirlee Holliman at a party in the early 1980s (PIP-Landmark Media)

"Everyone has been working so hard to bring you his music, the movie is going to be there to celebrate and remember Yog and his music well into the future…and we thank everyone whose efforts brought his music to you."

The statement continued: "We will be swerving the bad and enjoying the good as much as we can this coming year (2019 has been difficult and busy for George’s hardworking team).

"We are, as usual, staying as positive as possible, which is what we and Yog would wish for you all, and we are all hoping for a peaceful 2020. (Wow 2020! – when you grew up with Yog, that used to seem so far away but, here we are folks – It’s the future)!!!

Melanie was fiercely proud and protective of her big brother (Getty Images)

"We'll close by saying, don't forget to say your 'I Love You's' and enjoy your celebrations wherever you are. Thank you so much for your kind messages, they lift us when things are tough.

"Keep on doing those good deeds in his memory, 'paying it forward' if you can.

"'Take Care' he says from up there in the stars, with mum, Anselmo, and his beloved doggies."

The statement concluded: "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and celebrations to you all – we send our best from here in London! Melanie, Yioda, Jack & David x."

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