THE family of pop king Michael Jackson is to put down UK roots in North Devon, the Gazette can reveal.

A superstar sibling of the global music legend spent the weekend looking at various homes in the region to use as a Jackson family UK base.

Older brother Tito arrived in Barnstaple on Wednesday with the intention of taking a tour of homes and properties with long-time friend, martial arts empire owner and celebrity bodyguard Matt Fiddes.

The former Jackson Five member spent time browsing the North Devon Gazette’s Homes and Property supplement, before contacting estate agents and arranging several viewings in villages on the outskirts of Barnstaple.

On Monday, friend Matt confirmed that Tito had placed offers on two properties, although he wanted to keep their exact locations under wraps to protect the star’s privacy.

“I’m over-the-moon that he is looking for a home near me in North Devon and that the Jacksons will be heading this way a lot more often,” he said.

“It’s definitely going to happen.

“Tito spoke with Michael on the phone the other night and all the family are certain that this is the area where they want to find a UK family hideaway.

“Tito is staying with me until the weekend but if everything goes through OK, he will soon be able to use the home as a base from which to develop his career in the UK.”

Tito - a judge on the successful BBC One television show Just The Two Of Us - believes he can achieve more in the UK than in America.

He said: “I’ve got some good things going in the UK with TV work and book offers, you guys love the Jacksons’ music and I have great mates like David Gest and Matt who live here.

“It makes sense for me to find a home in this country that I, my brothers and sisters, and family can come to.

“We hope it will be a family hideaway where my brothers and sisters can escape the media attention when we need to.

“North Devon is so beautiful I’m really looking forward to buying a home and being around here a lot more.”

Tito said that all his family members had shown an interest in staying in the UK. He also revealed that Michael and family were recording in the studio again and were “ready for a comeback.”

“Michael likes North Devon, too, as no one bothers him. I can confirm that he has been to Barnstaple on private visits in recent years along with my brother Jermaine and a few other Jackson siblings.

“My family love North Devon and the wonderful countryside and friendly people. I am looking forward to living in Barnstaple and I hope the Barnstaple public will respect our family’s privacy.

“I would also like to thank Matt Fiddes and his family and staff for making us all so welcome - they are true friends of the Jackson family.”

On Friday night, Tito caused a flurry of excitement at Barnstaple nightspot Glitterball. As DJs pumped out a number of Jackson Five favourites, the star -surrounded by several bodyguards and accompanied by girlfriend American actress and model Claudia Lynx - happily signed autographs and posed for photographs with fans from a special roped-off VIP area in the club.

Tito, who last visited North Devon in January last year, also took time out to pay a return trip to the North Devon Hospice, in Newport. He also met poorly children at the Children’s Hospice South West, at Fremington, and even stopped by the Christchurch pre-school in Barnstaple to chat with excited children and staff.

On Saturday morning, he went shopping in Barnstaple town centre in search of a brand new trademark bowler hat.

“He looked around the High Street and Green Lanes but got mobbed everywhere so had to give up in the end,” said Matt.

Source: North Devon Gazette

Category: General News