THIS is the last known picture of George Michael — taken two weeks before he died and showing him smiling and looking trim.
The snap was taken as an apparently upbeat George sat in a recording studio close to his North London home.
It is in contrast to the September picture previously thought to be his last — showing his puffy eyes and jowly face — which some say supported claims he was suicidal.
George, 53, was found dead by boyfriend Fadi Fawaz, 43, at home on Christmas Day.
The newer photo was taken by an Italian fan who travelled from Milan hoping to see George, who planned to release an album and documentary this year.
She took the snap on December 9 close to his Highgate house and posted it on Facebook last week.
She wrote: “I saw George through a window.
“I couldn’t believe my eyes.
“He was sitting on a bench, he was jumping up and down while watching a monitor.
“He sipped tea or coffee and smoked an electronic cigarette.
“In front of me I have seen our George of always, handsome and peaceful, involved in his work.
“George was fine, he had a plan for the future.”
Meanwhile, we can reveal the star’s pals believe he died after bingeing on party drug Liquid G.
He was known to have used the drug, a liquid form of Class-C GHB, in the past.
Liquid G is known to heighten sexual pleasure, and is popular on the gay scene.
It is mixed with drinks like Lucozade and relaxes the body.
But it can be deadly if users take too much or mix it with other drugs or booze, and it can shut down organs.
A source said: “Everyone thinks George used Liquid G and that is what killed him.”
George’s US manager Michael Lippman said the star died of cardiac arrest.
His post-mortem was inconclusive, with more tests due.
Our source added: “George’s circle think he was with Fadi in the run-up to Christmas Eve but want to know what happened.”
Fadi, already quizzed by cops, is set to be grilled again, although he insisted he was not a suspect.
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