WHEREVER Jacko goes, controversy seems to follow and his latest announcement of new concert dates is no exception.

The King of Pop has put pen to paper on a 45-gig residency at London’s 02 Arena stretching well into 2010.

But it remains to be seen whether he will manage to pull off the comeback of the century.

Will audiences be treated to the moonwalking genius of his musical heyday or the troubled figure of ill-health seen in recent years?

Will it be a career saving masterstroke or an unmitigated disaster?

Jackson looked rather like an extra from his own ground-breaking Thriller video at the press conference to announce the dates and he’s cut a forlorn, oddball figure whenever he’s been seen in public lately.

But Michael Jackson is still a force to be reckoned with in the world of pop and was once a brilliant showman renowned for his incredible stage presence.

This series of dates will require huge energy and fitness – and I’m just not sure he’s up to the job.

Whichever way it goes, I’m sure the whole point of the comeback is to keep the bank manager happy. And with fans snapping up tickets like hot cakes, the cash tills are sure to be ringing to the sounds of Bad and Ben.