George Michael is coming home for Christmas.

The 'Faith' singer has been receiving treatment for pneumonia at the AKH Clinic in Austria, but his previously life threatening condition is improving so much he is likely to be able to return to England in time for the big day on December 25, according to his boyfriend Fadi Fawaz.

Fadi, 38, told the Daily Star newspaper: "Christmas at home. I cannot stop smiling today, the best day ever. He is getting better and better. Nothing to worry about, Happy Days."

The singer's spokesperson added: "He is getting better and better."

George, 48, became seriously ill in November and had to cancel all remaining shows on his 'Symphonica Tour' when he was taken to hospital. Fadi has kept a bedside vigil and George's 75-year-old father Kyriacos Panayiotou and older sisters Melanie, 49, and Yioda, 53, also flew in to be with him.

A family friend said: "His whole family are with him. They are very close knit all of them. The family are around him. They are such a close family I can't tell you. They all love each other."

Professors Gottfried Locker and Christoph Zielinski, of the hospital announced in early December that George's condition was improving and he had been taken out of intensive care.

They said in a joint statement: "The latest development in Mr. Michael's case, which has evolved from a severe pneumococcal infection, necessitated intensive care due to its severity and extension.

"We are happy to announce that Mr Michael is improving. There are no other health issues with regards to the patient other than the underlying pneumonic disorder.

"Mr Michael is receiving precisely the same treatment as any ordinary patient in Austria would receive at the hospital for this disease."