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Callers have been flooding Ashford's kmfm radio station to pay tribute to pop star Michael Jackson.
Calls from distressed fans flooded the KM Group’s station in the town centre this morning after the singer was killed by a suspected heart attack in Los Angeles.
Breakfast show presenter Kirstyn, pictured right, said: "We have had lots of calls and texts this morning from people expressing how they feel.
"Most said how terribly sad it is, in fact one lady broke down in tears over the phone
"Another woman texted in a message saying she felt that part of her life was gone too."
This morning the station played Jackson songs back to back and a special tribute will be broadcast during the station’s Essential Eighties programme, also hosted by Kirstyn.
Meanwhile four songs by the superstar will be played each hour by the station through the day.
Kirstyn, herself a dedicated fan, had already bought her £70 ticket to see the star at the O2 arena in October.
She said: "I don’t know yet if I’m going to get my money back but at this stage I feel really sad. I was a big fan and I stuck by him even through the bad times.
"But to be honest I didn’t even think he’d make it up to October. He looked so thin and frail."
The presenter, whose favourite Jackson album is Dangerous, had been horrified when she first received the news from a colleague by text early this morning.
She said: "I wanted to cry but I had to keep it together to get my son to school and get into work."
The kmfm blog with Kirstyn and Webbo
A Michael Jackson tribute act in Tenterden has sold out.
Wednesday’s show at the Raja of Kent restaurant featuring professional tribute performer Navi sold out well ahead of Thursday’s news that pop sensation Michael Jackson had died at a Los Angeles hospital.
John Clayton, who helped organise the tribute concert, said: “Many regard Navi as probably the best of the UK Jackson tributes.
“He has worked extensively with Michael Jackson and was sometimes used as a decoy by the great man.
“Navi was also present at the press launch for the concert announcements at London’s O2.”
The Essex-based performer previously performed at the Maidstone Raja of Kent venue and has been rebooked by owner Razulkabir Raja for his St Michael’s venue.