In the summer of 2026, BBC Two will air a captivating documentary that takes viewers back to a pivotal moment in music history. Wham! 10 Days in China recounts the groundbreaking 1985 tour by George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, the first Western pop act to perform in communist China. This 90-minute film, produced by BBC and BBC Music, promises to unveil previously unseen footage and offer fresh insights into the duo’s landmark visit.
The documentary draws on meticulously restored archive material and interviews with those who witnessed the tour firsthand. It explores how the concerts in Beijing and Guangzhou introduced live Western pop music to Chinese audiences during a period of significant change in the country. The visit proved pivotal not only for China but also for Wham!, helping the pair break into the American market and cement their status as global stars.
Revisiting a Historic Moment
The film, directed by Mike Christie and produced by Supercollider in association with Sony Music Vision and Sony Music Entertainment UK, offers a unique perspective on China at a moment of transformation. It tells the story of East meeting West, pop meeting politics, and two young stars coming of age on the world stage.
Andrew Ridgeley, reflecting on the documentary, said, “This film finally reveals the unknown legacy of Wham!’s groundbreaking venture, and lays bare, in all their human contradictions, the individual perspectives behind what was a bold and risky, high stakes gamble.”
The Impact of Wham!’s China Tour
The tour was more than just a series of concerts; it was a bold move to capture American attention and launch Wham! into global superstardom. The documentary revisits this historic moment through the eyes of the band, their team, and Chinese audiences encountering Western pop culture for the first time.
Jonathan Rothery, Head of BBC Popular Music TV, expressed his excitement about the documentary, stating, “Following the huge wave of affection from BBC viewers that greeted Wham! Last Christmas Unwrapped, I’m thrilled that we are able to tell the story of another of Wham!’s legacy milestones.”
Broadcast and Release Details
The broadcast will form part of an evening of Wham! and George Michael-themed programming on BBC Two. BBC Radio 2 will also mark the occasion with coverage on Gary Davies’ Sounds of the 80s. Before its television debut, the film will receive a worldwide cinema release on 28 July through Trafalgar Releasing.
The documentary follows 2026’s Wham! Last Christmas Unwrapped, which celebrated the 40th anniversary of the duo’s festive hit and chronicled how ‘Last Christmas’ became a global phenomenon. This new film promises to offer a similarly engaging and insightful look into Wham!’s historic tour of China.
