Wham! Last Christmas Unwrapped review – special TV to give your heart to

What a truly generous and cozy treat "Wham: Last Christmas Unwrapped" is! This special episode, lasting an hour, dives deep into one of the most iconic Christmas songs ever. Interestingly, it took 39 years after its original release in 1984 for the song to finally claim the title of Britain's top holiday hit. Similar to the podcast "Song Exploder," this documentary dissects both the song and its music video, exploring their creation and uncovering their cultural significance. It's all incredibly intriguing, especially for fans, who may find themselves pleasantly surprised by the heartfelt and personal discussions about George Michael included in the show.

You can sense right from the start that this is going to be a cheerful experience. While "Last Christmas" shines like the star on top of a tree, this piece serves as a brief overview of Wham!'s journey, starting in 1984, the year when everything fell into place for them. George Michael shares his perspective through snippets from old interviews, while Andrew Ridgeley, Shirlie Kemp, and Pepsie Demacque-Crockett reflect on their childhood meetings, the creation of that iconic snowy music video, and the heartbreaking impact of losing the man they affectionately called Yog during Christmas, when he was just 53.

The beginnings of Wham! were all about fun, friendship, and the spirit of youth. The iconic meeting between Ridgeley and Michael is a story often shared, yet it remains enjoyable to recount. Kemp remembers her chance encounter with Ridgeley on the street when she was about 17, which led her to Michael's room filled with music posters, where they had great discussions about their favorite songs. This marked the start of a lasting friendship and the rise of a remarkably successful pop group. Clips from their 1985 tour in the US serve as a powerful reminder of how popular these school friends became.

The backstory of Wham! is well-known, and at the core of this charming movie is the theme of friendship. The original cast from the "Last Christmas" music video, with one heartfelt exception, is back in Saas-Fe, Switzerland, where it all happened. They’ve returned to unveil a statue honoring the town’s most famous figure, while also revisiting old memories and reflecting on what Kemp describes as the “good times” before they all grew up and life became more serious. There were indeed many joyful moments. Kemp’s husband, Martin, who is known for his work with Spandau Ballet, fondly recalls the time he desperately tried to shake off Michael, who had come along as a wingman on an early date with his now-wife.

The video appears to be just a group of friends celebrating Christmas together because that’s exactly what it was. The sole professional actor in the mix is Kathy Hill, a model who reminisces fondly about her time as “the girl who broke George Michael’s heart.” She's wearing the iconic scarf from the video and insists she'll never part with it. Joining her in Saas-Fee is Cheryl Harrison, who was once invited to join Wham! She chuckles as she recalls turning down the opportunity due to her commitment to her hairdressing apprenticeship, which she felt was very important. The old friends reunite to share stories about how much they drank, the fun they had, and most importantly, their fondness for “Yog.”

In another section, the song takes center stage. Ridgeley recalls how the tune popped into Michael’s mind, prompting him to go off and record it. He returned an hour later, confident that it was something truly unique. Chris Porter, the track’s engineer, breaks down each instrument and vocal part, pointing out that the final verse perfectly captures the vibe of a party coming to an end. The documentary also highlights the song's appeal across different generations, which is particularly noteworthy considering that Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan's recent cover portrays life after a chaotic, drunken gathering.

This piece offers an in-depth look, featuring insights from Wham! manager Simon Napier-Bell and Pet Shop Boy Neil Tennant, who reflects on his time as the editor of Smash Hits. Notable fans like Sam Smith and Mary J Blige share their thoughts on why one of the most poignant Christmas songs ever written continues to resonate with audiences over the years. At the heart of its appeal is George Michael's charisma. Early on, Kemp makes an emotionally charged mistake as she recounts his deep appreciation for friendship, stating, "George is – was – the more, the merrier," while reminiscing about his famous Christmas Eve gatherings. Ridgeley also opens up about the profound loss of his friend, whom he describes as "my other half," adding, "I never imagined a future without him." This serves as a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to George Michael and his extraordinary talent.

Wham: Last Christmas Unwrapped was broadcast on BBC Two and is currently available on iPlayer.