Karaoke classic claims revenge

The group – whose singer George Michael was warned last week that he faces prison after his latest court appearance – stalled at number two when the single was released, despite being at the height of their popularity.

It is the only song in the top 20 all-time best-sellers which failed to make it to the top of the charts.

The figures were compiled for a BBC Radio 2 show broadcast yesterday bringing together the top 100 million-plus selling singles.

Unsurprisingly the list was headed by Candle In The Wind by Sir Elton John which was a huge hit in 1997 when it was released following the death of Diana, Princess Of Wales. An earlier version first charted in 1974, reaching only number 11.

Wham!’s hit – a double A-side with Everything She Wants – has become one of the most festive tunes following its release at the end of 1984. The BBC Radio 2 list – revealed by Ken Bruce and compiled by the Official Charts Company – ranks it the 18th biggest seller

It missed the top spot because of the appeal of Band Aid’s Do They Know It’s Christmas? single, which stayed at number one for five consecutive weeks and actually featured George Michael.