Last week, former Wham! singer Andrew Ridgeley made a rare TV appearance and spoke about his former bandmate, George Michael.

Appearing on ITV's Good Morning Britain to promote a charity cycling event in Europe, an emotional Ridgely also talked about Michael's passing on Christmas Day in 2016 calling for a permanent memorial to honor the late entertainer.

When asked if he still misses his friend and former bandmate, Ridgeley said: "There are occasions where it springs to mind. It's a great sadness. A great sadness for everyone."

Handwritten messages, flowers, candles, and flags are still regularly left by fans outside Michael’s two homes in Goring-on-Thames, where he died, and Highgate. Early this month, the singer's family members posted a note on his website telling fans it was time to remove and discontinue these tributes out of respect for the neighbors.

Ridgeley believes there's "a very good case" for a permanent memorial for the gay icon.

"I don't see why there shouldn't be some sort public place for a memorial. He was much loved and there seems to be a desire for it."

Born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou in north London, Michael had his first success as half of the pop duo Wham! in the early 1980s. He then became one of the most successful solo artists of all time, selling more than 100 million records.

The star died Christmas Day 2016 at 53 from dilated cardiomyopathy with myocarditis and fatty liver, according to the coroner’s report.