Michael: 'I'm not ashamed of gay cruising'

George Michael is not ashamed of being spotted prowling a notorious homosexual pick-up spot in London last week, insisting he's still a role model for young gays.

The Outside singer was exposed by a British newspaper on Sunday cavorting in the shadows on Hampstead Heath with 58-year-old Norman Kirtland, before he fled from reporters and photographers.

But the former Wham! Heart-throb refuses to apologise for his actions, stressing he's done nothing wrong by cruising.

He says: "I should be able to be what I am to young gay people - which is a man who has managed to succeed in the industry for 25 years.

"Sorry if people don't like the fact I cruise on Hampstead Heath but the police absolutely accept that it goes on at night.

"It's the only place in London where that is the case so it's generally a safe place."