Chatting to Radio One DJ Jo Whiley, George Michael said his new album Patience, which is released on 15 March, will be the last one fans can buy in high-street shops.

Fans will be given the option to donate money to selected charities in exchange for downloading the tracks online.

The singer said: “I've been very well remunerated for my talents over the years so I really don't need the public's money. I'd really like to have something on the internet which will be a donation only site, and people can donate to a list of my favourite charities.”

Michael, who has sold more than 67 million records worldwide, has enjoyed pop success since the early 1980s. On deciding to offer his music to download over the internet, the singer added: "I think it takes the pressure off to have a collection of songs every couple of years, which is what nearly killed me."

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