Wham!'s holiday classic 'Last Christmas' has achieved a remarkable feat by topping the UK Christmas charts for the second consecutive year, celebrating its 40th anniversary this season. This year's success marks the first time any song has reclaimed the Christmas number one spot after multiple decades, emphasizing the enduring appeal of the track originally released back in 1984.
Reflecting on the milestone, Wham! member Andrew Ridgeley expressed his delight, sharing, "I’m especially pleased for George, he would have been utterly delighted." Ridgeley referred to his late bandmate George Michael, who passed away on Christmas Day in 2016. At the time of the song's original release, 'Last Christmas' had only managed to reach number two on the charts, overshadowed by the charity single 'Do They Know It's Christmas,' which topped the charts instead.
This year’s Christmas number one has been particularly noteworthy, as it arrived during the second consecutive year of absence for popular comical duo LadBaby, who have dominated the festive charts over the last few years. Their lack of presence allowed 'Last Christmas' to take center stage again, proving the song’s warm nostalgia resonates even stronger with audiences year after year. Riding on streaming and download success, it beat out seasonal favorites like Mariah Carey's 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' and Brenda Lee's 'Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree.'
Kathy Hill, the model who starred alongside George Michael in the original music video, offered insights about her experience on set, which she recalls with fondness. "We just had a lot of fun and there is a part where George falls over..." she said, reflecting on the unscripted moments captured during filming. Hill's involvement came as she attended a casting call, and she fondly remembers the long hours spent filming across picturesque Swiss landscapes. "We were up at 5 am and filmed for hours some days," she explained, describing the grueling schedule of shooting the iconic video.
She noted she was initially worried for her then-boyfriend, celebrated composer Vangelis, who was concerned about her spending time with the handsome George Michael. According to Hill, he even offered to pay her not to take part, but she went through with it regardless, describing the chemistry between herself and Michael as natural and playful. "I don’t think any of us realized at the time how iconic the song or the video would become," she reminisced.
The music video featured joyful scenes of the duo playing in the snow, and Hill recalled the carefree nature of their time together. The spontaneity of those moments helped lend authenticity to the music video, which has now garnered over one billion views on platforms like YouTube. The song itself has amassed over four billion audio streams worldwide, solidifying Wham!’s legacy and Michael's artistry.
Andrew Ridgeley’s remarks also served as heartfelt tribute to George Michael's lasting impact on music. He reiterated, "37 years to get to Number 1... like London buses they all come along at once," conveying how surreal and wonderful it feels to watch the song finally take its rightful place atop the Christmas charts.
Looking back at its history, 'Last Christmas' stands out not only for its poignant lyrics about the pain of unrequited love—its emotional depth contrasts with the joy typically associated with holiday music—but also for its lasting ability to connect with listeners across generations. The track has become synonymous with the festive season, reinforcing the feeling of nostalgia it brings, transforming it from simply being another pop hit to a beloved annual staple.
This holiday season, as families gather to celebrate Christmas, Wham!'s 'Last Christmas' will undoubtedly be at the forefront of their playlists, evoking cherished memories and marking another year of triumph for this timeless classic.
