As Wham!’s holiday anthem Last Christmas hits the 40-year mark, a documentary set to air on BBC2 this Saturday (14 December) will give avid fans behind-the-scenes stories from Andrew Ridgeley, one half of the iconic pop duo. Accompanied by never-heard-before anecdotes from former backing singers and music video co-stars Helen ‘Pepsi’ DeMacque Crockett and Shirlie Kemp, the special digs deep into the song's origins.
It's been four decades since Pepsi and Shirlie shared that ski lift and grooved at the festive house party with George Michael and Andrew. Now at 65 and 62 respectively, Pepsi and Shirlie have stepped away from their signature performances but the excitement for the documentary is palpable. Sharing a glimpse of nostalgia, Shirlie took to social media to enthuse over the reunion with Pepsi at the screening: "Pepsi & I went to the screening of Wham Last Christmas Unwrapped documentary last night, which will be on BBC2 8.30pm Saturday 14th December!"
Shirlie continued: "It's such an emotional film full of tears and joy but also captures exactly why the song and video go hand in hand and how 40 years later it’s still as good now as it was then and such a Christmas classic and lovely seeing our old friend and Last Christmas director".
The pop duo excited fans a month back with a teaser of their reunion. Snug in purple attire, Pepsi enjoyed some hot chocolate while Shirlie struck a pose in sleek neutrals. Shirlie's selfie with Pepsi hit social media, complete with a message stating: "Can’t wait to tell you all about an amazing trip Pepsi and I had together."
Later on, Shirlie shared that they revisited the iconic spots from the Last Christmas music video, which, she mused, allowed her to "reflect on the joy & tears" the song has brought over the "past 40 years". Since the video, Shirlie and George Michael remained tight-knit until his passing on Christmas Day in 2016, with George also having been godfather to Shirlie's son, Roman Kemp.
The upcoming documentary synopsis reads: "The charming film features a once in a lifetime reunion with some of the genuine group of close friends from the original music video, set against the stunning snow-covered backdrop of Saas-Fee in Switzerland. We’ll see Andrew, Pepsi, Shirlie, and friends revisit the video locations (including the ski lift and instantly recognisable alpine chalet), revealing exclusive, never-before-heard stories from the video that have remained a group secret – until now."
Additional insights come from Saas-Fee's Mayor who, four decades earlier, served as the band’s driver during filming, and viewers will uncover the fate of the notable diamanté brooch from the video.
Set your reminders for Wham!: Last Christmas Unwrapped airing Saturday 14 December, at 8.35pm on BBC2
English (US) ·