He went on to become a prominent gay rights advocate and a supporter of HIV campaigns.

He fronted a documentary about HIV to coincide with World Aids Day the year he came out, and he was also a passionate supporter of HIV charity the Terrence Higgins Trust.

The gay rights group Stonewall said yesterday: "You inspired many and your music will live on in the hearts of the community. You will be sorely missed."

What will happen to his fortune?

It has also emerged that Michael could leave some of his estimated £105 million fortune to his godson James Kennedy, a reality TV star who lives in California.

The late star did not have any children of his own, but it is thought that the 24-year-old could be set to be among the beneficiaries of the Club Tropicana singer's will.

According to reports between 2006 and 2008 Michael earned £48.5 million from his "25 Live" tour.

And last year's Sunday Times Rich List put him as one of the wealthiest British musicians, with an estimated worth £105 million.

It followed reports in 2014 that he was among a number of celebrity investors to be caught in a tax avoidance scheme.