HE IS one of the best-loved and most controversial performers the world has ever known.

Now a glittering live tribute to the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson is coming to Southampton.

The touring show, put together by the star’s producer friend David Gest, brother Tito Jackson, eldest sister Rebbie Jackson, and former number one artist and family friend Deniece Williams.

The shows will combine never-before-told details about Michael Jackson and his phenomenal career, as well as several musical numbers.

Audience participation will be encouraged as Tito performs some of the classic Jackson 5 and The Jacksons hits, including Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground).

Williams, who grew up near the Jackson family home in Gary, Indiana, will perform several of her hit tunes along with renditions from Rebbie, who made the top 10 in the US with her hit, Centipede, which was produced by brother Michael.

The setting for the intimate show, called A Jackson Named Michael: Remembering a Legend, will include just the trio, a pianist and cinema screen, with the stage itself adorned with classic images of Michael, who died in 2009.

There will also be a chance for members of the audience to ask their own questions of those on the stage.

David, who is producing the show, said he came up with the idea for a tour after completing a documentary about his friend’s life, which is due to be released next month.

He said: “The majority of the show that we will put on in Southampton will be reminiscences and stories about Michael that the public has never heard.

“I will also unveil a treasure trove of film clips that were not included in my upcoming film.

“I have more than five hours of unseen footage and 30 minutes of rare Katherine Jackson footage of her reminiscing about Michael growing up in Gary as well as stories about all her kids.”

Tito said: “I’m really looking forward to this tour and being close up with the fans.

To see the four of us on stage will be a blast and we all have so many funny and wonderful stories about Michael that will leave the crowd laughing, crying and spellbound all at the same time.”

The tour will run throughout the UK in March next year, before moving on to Europe and Australia.

Although Southampton has been chosen as one of the 24 towns and cities involved, organisers are remaining tight-lipped about the exact venue and date.