George returns to pop show after 17 years

George Michael is making his first appearance on Top of the Pops in 17 years to perform an anti-war song.

The star has covered the old Don McLean song The Grave, originally written about the horrors of the Vietnam war.

He recorded his performance today and it will be shown on tomorrow night’s show.

The last time Michael appeared on TOTP was in 1986 with Wham! for their number one single Edge of Heaven.

A TOTP spokeswoman said: “It’s an amazing coup to get George back on the show after all these years.”

McLean originally recorded The Grave in 1971 for his album American Pie.

He has applauded Michael for covering it, saying: “I am proud of George Michael for standing up for life and sanity. I am delighted that he chose a song of mine to express his feelings.”

Michael does not plan to release it as a single but wants to include it on an anti-war charity album featuring various different artists.