Friends of George Michael fear he is living as a hermit following his collapse earlier this year (14), according to a report.

The former Wham! singer was hospitalised in May (14) after reportedly falling ill at his London home, and now several pals and neighbours are worried about his wellbeing.

He is reportedly rarely seen outside of his house and only one friend, record producer David Austen, is seen visiting, according to neighbours.

One friend tells Britain's Sunday People newspaper, "People are worried sick about him. He's just cut himself off from everyone."

Another adds, "He hasn't been seen out for months, he's self-conscious about the scars on his throat and head... and he's put on weight."

Michael was left with the scars from a near-fatal car accident last year (13), when he fell out of a moving vehicle on a highway.