George Michael calls press claims of favouritism in prison ‘rubbish’

The 47-year old singer, whose real name is Georgios Panayiotou, said he has been treated with kindness during his time in prison.

Michael received an eight-week sentence last month after he crashed his Range Rover while under the influence of cannabis.

The Wham! singer said "Much as I would prefer to rise above the usual rubbish that I'm reading day after day about my time here in prison, I think it's only fair to my fans, family and friends to respond in some way even though I will be home soon.

He added "On the contrary, I've been treated with kindness by fellow inmates and prison staff alike and, as far as I can tell, have received no special treatment of any kind whatsoever, unless, of course, some of the guys here are letting me win at the pool table.”

The star was found slumped at the wheel of his vehicle after it crashed into a branch of photo store Snappy Snaps in Hampstead, north London, in July. He previously had a conviction for the same offence.

Michael admitted, when he appeared at London's Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court in August, to driving while under the influence of drugs and possessing two cannabis cigarettes.

The singer has been transferred from the Category C Pentonville Prison in north London to the lower Category D Highpoint Prison in Suffolk.