Catherine Tate Reflects on Friendship with George Michael and Upcoming Projects

The song “Last Christmas” by Wham! evokes nostalgia for many, yet for comedian Catherine Tate, it specifically conjures emotional recollections of her friend, the renowned artist George Michael. Their unexpected bond formed almost two decades ago, initiated by Michael expressing his admiration for Tate and extending an invitation to one of his performances. Speaking to Lucy Owen on BBC Radio Wales, Tate stated, “He’s someone I hold very dear in my heart, especially around Christmas time.” George Michael, born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou, passed away at the age of 53 on Christmas Day in 2016. Despite his death, his influence persists, with “Last Christmas” achieving the UK’s Christmas number 1 position for the second consecutive year. Tate mentioned that the Christmas season consistently brings Michael to mind. Michael rose to prominence in the 1980s as part of Wham! before achieving greater stardom as a solo performer. She recounted that Michael would watch her television program while preparing for his stage performances. Tate further explained that their friendship began when Michael reached out to her, revealing he was a significant admirer of her work. Tate described him as, “He was really fun, amazing, lovely, wonderful, wonderful being.” Tate recounted an event where Michael organized a concert for NHS personnel who had cared for his mother, Lesley, prior to her death from cancer in 1997. Tate elaborated, “He was so grateful to them that he put on this free concert and tickets were put out in a ballot.” Michael requested Tate to introduce him on stage in the guise of her character, Nurse Bernie. Tate stated, “That was a magical moment, and we became friends,” adding, “And then I said, will you come and do a sketch with me as well?” Beyond her reflections on Michael, Tate expressed her intention to closely follow the “Gavin & Stacey” finale this Christmas. She has re-watched all three series in anticipation of the upcoming episode, having been left in suspense by the 2019 Christmas special, which concluded with Nessa proposing to Smithy. Prior to his role as Gavin, actor Matthew Horne portrayed Jamie, the grandson of the outspoken Nan, on the BBC’s “Catherine Tate Show.” Tate humorously suggested that this exposure might have contributed to Horne securing his part in “Gavin & Stacey,” quipping, “you’re welcome.” Tate voiced her desire for the finale to provide a conclusion, recalling that she sought answers after the previous Christmas special, telling Horne, “oh my God, you can’t leave it like that.” Tate is scheduled to host “Doctor Who at the Proms 2024,” featuring the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, airing on Christmas Eve on BBC Two. She previously played the character Donna Noble alongside David Tennant during his tenure as the Doctor, and both actors reprised their roles last year for the 60th anniversary specials. Tate recounted that Russell T Davies, the program’s head writer, had expressed enthusiasm about reuniting them. Following some deliberation, she mentioned contacting Tennant and asking, “what do you reckon?” Tennant’s reply indicated he would participate immediately. Tate then stated, “I went back to Russell and said ‘he’s in, let’s get the band back together’. So I like to think it was down to me,” she laughed. She added that she will forever cherish the memories of filming “Doctor Who” in Cardiff and portraying Donna. Regarding Donna, Tate remarked, “She’s in my heart, she really is. She was a character that I never really let go of. She’s a proper honour to have played.” “Doctor Who at the Proms 2024” is scheduled for broadcast on BBC Two at 16:10 GMT on December 24, and will also be aired on BBC Radio Wales at 19:00 on Christmas Day.