GEORGE Michael’s weight gain was said to have made him reclusive in his final years – because he couldn't bear people thinking of him as fat.

Wham! singer George reportedly had few regular visitors and hated to be seen as anything other than a perfect popstar over the past five years.

6 George - pictured here in 1988 - became reclusive because of his weight gain, according to reports Credit: Getty Images

6 In the last pictures of the star taken in September he looks tired and bloated Credit: Splash News

The pop legend was last seen on Christmas Eve, watching a torchlight procession from his window in his home in Goring, Oxfordshire.

George, 53, was found dead in bed on Christmas Day by his boyfriend Fadi Fawaz.

A source told The Daily Mail: “George was a total perfectionist, always, but he had totally lost confidence.”

related stories Comment JEREMY CLARKSON Help fight the Government’s plan to silence the free Press – and save your own freedom Pictured FROM DIMPLES TO WORLD DOMINATION George Michael became a pop icon… but childhood photos show a shy boy whose dad told him he couldn't sing ROYAL FLUSH George Michael said Princess Diana was only person who made him feel 'ordinary' Revealed WHAT HAPPENS TO GEORGE'S MILLIONS? George Michael 'left £105million' fortune - and much of it will now go to his celebrity godchildren Gone but not forgotten Celebrity deaths in 2016 - from Carrie Fisher to George Michael, all the stars we've lost last year

They said he could be ‘horribly self-conscious’ about his weight gain and was said to be worried about scars caused when he fell out of a car on the M1.

In tragic last pictures taken of the star in September he looks bloated and tired.

Friends of the music icon have now revealed they believe he made two suicide attempts over the years.

The Mirror Online reports that one friend claimed he once cut his wrists.

Michael claimed he had been checking the door when he fell out of his friend’s Range Rover at 70mphin 2013.

6 George Michael seen on a rare occasion outside his North London home Credit: Splash News

George was pictured out in public for the final time at a restaurant close to his Oxfordshire home.

Local resident Malcolm Allport, 80, said: ‘He had a housekeeper who used to come up, but the house was shut up a lot of the time.”

The manager of the village pub added: ‘We have not seen him for a while.

“‘He had changed over the years, got a lot bigger and wore glasses. He was very self-conscious. He just did not look like George Michael any more. It’s very sad.”

6 George Michael on Faith tour in 1988 Credit: Getty Images

Former partner Kenny Goss also paid tribute to the star as he talked of his “long time love”.

In an official statement, grieving Goss said: “I’m heartbroken with the news that my dear friend and long time love George Michael has passed.

“He was a major part of my life and I loved him very, very much. He was an extremely kind and generous man.”

Thames Valley Police said an ambulance attended a property in Goring, Oxfordshire, at 1,42pm on Christmas Day, adding that his death was being treated as “unexplained but not suspicious”.

In a statement, the star’s publicist said: “It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beloved son, brother and friend George passed away peacefully at home over the Christmas period.

“The family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time.

“There will be no further comment at this stage.”

6 Flowers and tributes left outside George Michael's home Credit: Getty Images

6 A woman lays flowers in tribute following the tragic death of the pop icon Credit: Getty Images

Michael’s longtime manager Michael Lippman told Billboard that the cause of death was believed to be heart failure.

Tributes have been paid to the star, whose hits included Club Tropicana, Freedom, Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go, and Careless Whisper – which launched his solo career.

The singer had seven number one singles in the UK and enjoyed collaborations with the likes of Aretha Franklin, Sir Elton John and Queen, after the death of Freddie Mercury.

Alongside Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley Michael enjoyed hit after hit, including Club Tropicana, Young Guns (Go For It) and Last Christmas.

Following the tragic news Ridgeley tweeted: “Heartbroken at the loss of my beloved friend Yog.

“Me, his loved ones, his friends, the world of music, the world at large. 4ever loved. A xx”

Writing on Instagram the music legend’s friend Elton John wrote: “I have lost a beloved friend – the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist.

“My heart goes out to his family and all of his fans.”

“Farewell my Friend! Another Great Artist leaves us. Can 2016 F*** Off NOW?” Madonna wrote in a post on Instagram accompanied by a video of her presenting Michael with an award.