Britain's Got Talent star Darth Jackson mourns Michael Jackson

Jun 28 2009 by Adam Aspinall, Sunday Mercury

He is entirely self-taught and dreamt of being a Michael Jackson impersonator since a child.

Philip first began wearing his zany costume – a mixture of Michael Jackson-style clothing from the waist down and Darth Vader’s cape, helmet and lightsabre from the waist up – after his sister suggested it for a New Year’s Eve party.

And although judge Simon Cowell may not have appreciated the Dark Lord’s moves to Michael Jackson’s Thriller, the audience did and he is now a crowd-pleasing regular on the national tour.

But Philip admits the next few weeks could be very difficult as the world comes to terms with the death of an icon.

He said: “We all heard the news in the hotel lobby and couldn’t believe it at first to be honest.

“I didn’t want to believe it, I’ve loved Michael Jackson all my life and was refusing to accept it was true until it was confirmed officially.

“I just sat there watching the TV, trying to fight back the tears.

‘‘This guy’s been my life for as long as I can remember.

“Michael Jackson acts all over the world are going to be busy in the coming weeks but I won’t be changing mine and I won’t be giving it up either.

“I’m going to keep it exactly the same in tribute to Michael.”