Jackson was an intensely private star - perhaps the most famously reclusive of all - rarely venturing out in public and, when he did venture forth, was usually covered up by a hat, sunglasses and latterly even a surgical mask to hide his surgery-ravaged face.

He revealed precious little about his personal life and yet it was subject to more scrutiny than any other's, particularly after the very first rumours and allegations of child abuse that have dogged him since 1993.

He was married twice and fathered three children, all of whom have been similarly kept away from the glare of the media as much as possible.