Rumors erupted that the television network ITV London is planning a docudrama on the late singer George Michael. Learn how this rumor started.
After the flurry of activities celebrating the birthday of the late singer George Michael, rumors erupted that the television network ITV is planning a docudrama on the superstar. A docudrama (or documentary drama) is a popular form of television programming that features dramatized re-enactments and staged footage with actors.
The George Michael ITV docudrama rumor was sparked by the Instagram post of a London-based Greek actor named Konstantinos Kavakiotis. On June 23, he posted on Instagram that he is playing the part of George Michael’s partner Fadi Fawaz:
“Just finished filming for ITV’s docudrama about the life of the iconic music legend George Michael, in which I am playing the Lebanese Fadi Fawaz. What an experience!!!”
Kavakiotis recently played the role of King Herod in a theater production of Salome by Oscar Wilde in London. He also teaches acting in Drama Classes London.
Unconfirmed reports name Andrew Browning as the actor who will play the role of George Michael, pictured above with Kavakiotis.
As word about the planned ITV docudrama spread among the George Michael fans, Kavakiotis made his Instagram account private and deleted the post on June 28.
However, another actor has come forward and announced his involvement in the George Michael docudrama. British actor Al Gregg tweeted on June 18 the news that he is playing the role of George Michael’s manager in the ITV docudrama:
His management company International Artists Management announced Al Gregg’s participation in the George Michael biopic. The company also tweeted on June 19 about Gregg’s guest star role in the ITV docudrama:
Aside from the involvement of the actors above, details about the George Michael ITV docudrama are largely unknown. It is unclear how George Michael and Fadi Fawaz will be portrayed in this dramatized documentary and what events in George Michael’s life will be included.
Reactions on Facebook among George Michael fans about this rumored ITV docudrama are largely negative. Here are some comments from fans:
“I won’t be watching, it leaves a bad taste in my mouth and very disrespectful to George’s family!!!! How would they know all the true facts of George’s life?? They don’t and George would never give his approval to this trash! He should be left in peace now and for us to celebrate his life!!!”
“This is something the ITV have done, by the sounds of it. Guess it’s going to be based on crap and lies written by the press because they have no idea what went on in Yog’s life … only George Michael’s through the lying, exaggerating media. Just really sad for the family. Makes me feel sick that our George isn’t here and this is happening ….”
“Omg no, disrespectful money grabbing twats making shitty programs about beautiful George, let him rest in peace, he was unique no one will ever be able to play him ever x”
ITV was in Goring-on-Thames to film the festivities celebrating what would have been George Michael’s 54th birthday. Some fans are asking whether the footages shot during the birthday celebrations will be included in the docudrama.
While George Michael died of natural causes as a result of a heart disease and a fatty liver on December 25, 2016, his last couple of years has been shrouded in mystery as he pulled away from the public eye. This raises the question how the rumored ITV docudrama will portray his last years, even his death since little is known about this time period.
The problem with docudramas is that it is hard to distinguish when the documentary ends and the drama begins. Docudramas combine factual situations with fictional scenes and characters, and the literary license to bring these events to life may be misleading, if not totally inaccurate and unfair. It remains to be seen how this rumored ITV docudrama will fare in presenting George Michael’s life.
View Comments (11)
We need a proper tribute to honour George Michael, his beautiful music, lyrics, his amazing charity and the kind, warm and intelligent man that he was.
What we don't need now is some docu-drama about his personal life with his partner and based on what?! Gossip and make believe?
George Michael left us all six months ago and family, friends and everyone close to him is still trying to come to terms with their loss. So are all of his fans. This will definitely not help anyone, except for those trying to make money of af tragedy. Shame on them!
Very true x
Can they just do that? Don't they need permission from George family, or from Fadi?
Sadly no, they don't. ....
Why can't they just let George Michael rest in peace, he is no longer here to defend himself. ?
Well said
No just no....make a programme about his music and his wonderful talent and leave it at that...George isnt here to defend or even confirm any of it is truthful so it should be left well alone.....greedy tv bosses cashing in let the fella rest in peace
This is trash. How can they do this? No one knows the truth about his life other than those closest to him. They are going to go by what crap reporters wrote about him. He isn't even here to defend himself. Let him rest in peace please but more importantly respect his family. They have lost a brother and a song. Their grief has to be insurmountable. Someone needs to have this crap so called documentary stopped.
Maybe it is time for all of us GM fans to get together and plan a strategy to voice our dislike for the injustices the media has inflicted over the years on our beloved Yog. In other turn the tables on the media.
I'll be up for that....
I cannot believe to date people still can't leave George alone, all he wanted to do in his life was for people to enjoy his music. Whatever he did in his personal time it's absolutely his business and no one else's, but the media only write about his arrest in Beverly Hills and his gay life OVER AND OVER! People always say respect the dead, I do not see the media having any respect for George, they are still digging out dirts from his past. I wonder if they do the same to their very own dead family members, because it seems to me that this is the only thing they do in life!