George Michael has opened up on his brush with death after contracting pneumonia last year.

Speaking to BBC Radio 2, Michael said that his condition - which was treated in hospital in Vienna - was "downplayed" to ensure people didn't worry about him. He said:

"I had to relearn to walk due to muscle atrophy. I just woke up kind of like this feeble old man. I guess all I can say about it is it was a horrible experience. It was downplayed because I didn't want to worry [anyone], or to have the press clamouring around the hospital. It would have been like a death watch."

He added: "It was three weeks touch and go, on several occasions it was very close. When something like that happens, it takes a while to feel that life is safe again. I've lived with a lot of anxiety since."

Michael meanwhile has unveiled the video for his new track 'White Light', which was inspired by his health battle.

Model Kate Moss appears in the video as Michael looks to reignite his music career following his brush with death.