Michael Jackson show must go on

THE 'world's number one Michael Jackson impersonator' said the show must go on – in Sutton Coldfield.

A Four Oaks charity event was organised for last night (Thursday), featuring Navi. His likeness to the King of Pop is so uncanny that he worked for Jackson as a professional decoy, performed for the star on his birthday and visited the Neverland ranch.

The event, in aid of St Giles Hospice, was originally timed to coincide with the eve of Jackson's comeback tour dates in London.

But the Thriller star's death last week put a question mark over the show at Mere Green restaurant, Pier 39.

It was organised by Jackson fan Becky Beal who is raising funds for the charity's Whittington site before travelling to Peru. There she will take part in a 50-mile sponsored walk to Machu Picchu for the same cause.

She told the Observer: "People were phoning me last week to tell me the tragic news, and those who had bought tickets were wondering if it would go ahead.

"I think I had increased interest in tickets and it has created quite a buzz – that sounds terrible, but this event has always been about charity and a genuine celebration of Michael Jackson's life."

She said: "I rang Navi's agent to see where things stood because while it is a business, he has met Michael Jackson and acted as an official decoy – he knew the guy.

"I learned he was very upset about Michael Jackson's death but he feels the show must go on – this tribute night is just that and that's the way he sees it.

"Because it is for charity, he thought not doing it would let people down – it's very good of him."

She added: "The plan was to host the event the day before Michael Jackson's first tour in years.

"I was hoping to get it caught up in that interest, but it has been caught up in another type of buzz – it's just a coincidence and remains a celebration of an absolute star."

Visit www.justgiving.com/beckybeal to help with her fund-raising efforts. Visit kingofpop.co.uk for Navi's CV.