George Michael Getting Better, Claims New Boyfriend

George Michael’s boyfriend told yesterday how he is ­keeping vigil at his bedside and revealed: “He’s getting better by the hour.” Fadi Fawaz has been at the singer’s side ever since he was admitted to a ­hospital in Austria with severe pneumonia.

Celebrity hairdresser Fadi, 38, has ­reassured George’s millions of fans that he is improving and regaining his strength. “George is doing well and is in good spirits,” he said. “I have been seeing him each day and he is getting stronger all the time. George is trying to stay upbeat. He is ­smiling through it all and everyone is just willing him to get better.” Fadi says he felt compelled to break his silence about George’s illness amid ­increasingly worrying claims that the singer’s condition is worsening.

Reports yesterday emerged saying doctors had placed George in an induced coma at ­Vienna’s AKH Hospital suffering with the a severe lung condition called acute ­respiratory distress syndrome. It came a day after reports claimed he was deteriorating with a heart problem which had left him in severe pain. But Fadi, 38, insisted: “A lot of what has been reported isn’t true. I’ve been with him every day and his condition is getting better. His family and friends are very happy with his care. He is in the best place, getting the treatment he needs.”

Careless Whisper singer George was admitted to a private hospital on Monday after he fell ill while staying at Vienna’s exclusive Imperial Hotel with Fadi. The former Wham singer was later moved to the AKH Hospital where he was ­diagnosed with pneumonia. He is being constantly monitored by doctors. He fell ill just hours before he was due on stage in Vienna. The star has been forced to scrap 14 British gigs planned for the final leg of his European tour. He is likely to be bedridden until Christmas. George, who split from long-term partner Kenny Goss earlier this year, started dating Australian hair stylist Fadi less than a month ago. They enjoyed a romantic break in Venice, Italy two weeks ago and were seen on a boat ride on one of the city’s canals. They were also seen sunbathing on a hotel balcony together.

Fadi, who lives in London, has worked as a stylist to a string of stars ­including Naomi Campbell, Girls Aloud, Katherine Jenkins and the Pussycat Dolls. He said that since falling ill George has received hundreds of cards and messages of goodwill. “George has had so many get-well wishes and that has really been wonderful,” said Fadi. “It has helped to keep his spirits up.”

Professors ­Christoph Zielinksi and ­Thomas Staudinger, who are treating the singer, said: “George Michael has severe community acquired pneumonia. Complete rest and peace and quiet are mandatory.” His publicist Connie Filipello added: “The doctors have made clear George’s condition.Anything else being said is not true.”