Radio Times: Review by:; Alison Graham

An excellent BBC2 documentary about Queen in 2011 told you everything about the band. But Imagine, in an extended version of a programme first shown last year, heads in a different direction with a look at Freddie Mercury’s solo career.

His success on his own didn’t match Queen standards, but he had a huge hit with opera star Montserrat Caballé. She is overwhelmed when she recounts why he shied away from her platonic kisses — he had just learnt he was HIV-positive.

About this programme

Profile of the flamboyant Queen frontman, exploring his time away from the band - including a collaboration with Michael Jackson and the triumphant Barcelona duet with Montserrat Caballe. The programme also examines his life as a gay man who was not yet publicly out. Featuring rare archive footage and interviews with bandmates Brian May and Roger Taylor, as well as friends and admirers including Paul Gambaccini, Montserrat Caballe and Matt Lucas. Extended version of a documentary originally shown as part of the Imagine strand.