Pop star George Michael sent fans of The Smiths into a spin by insisting a long-awaited reunion is on its way, but he has now confessed he was joking.

The former Wham! star was asked in an interview published over the weekend (09-10Aug14) to reveal a secret and he replied, "The Smiths are reforming."

The comment, published by British newspaper The Guardian, sent fans of the band into meltdown because reunion rumours have been building for years despite repeated denials by the group's founders Morrissey and Johnny Marr.

However, the Careless Whisper hitmaker has now quashed the speculation by admitting his remark was made in jest.

A representative for the star tells Wenn, "It was just a bit of fun, so not true."