Boy George has paid tribute to David Bowie during a performance of the late musician’s hit Starman.

Appearing on Channel 4′s Stand Up To Cancer on Friday night, the 55-year-old said the Heroes singer’s death was “like losing a family member”.

Bowie died on January 10, two days after his 69th birthday, following a private 18-month battle with liver cancer.

Backed by the NHS choir – made up of doctors, nurses and staff members from across the health service – the Karma Chameleon singer performed a moving cover of Bowie’s hit track.

Following his performance, he told the programme’s host Davina McCall: “I think to a lot of people who grew up in the 70s he (Bowie) was like one of our relatives, he was part of us.

“Losing him was just like losing a family member. It really hit everybody.”

Boy George
(John Salangsang/AP)

He added he had his own experiences with cancer.

“My grandmother, my aunt two years ago, a close friend very recently. I know so many people who are fighting it.

“What’s amazing is that people are really fighting now. There’s a real spirit, there’s a defiant spirit.”

Stand Up To Cancer is raising money for charity and involves celebrities including footballer Daniel Sturridge, actor Martin Freeman and actress Anna Friel.