Michael Jackson impersonator Ben Bowman is launching a new tribute show to the King of Pop.

Ben, from Sittingbourne, promises fans that it will be a thriller, packed with the legend’s hits including Beat It and Billie Jean, performed with dance routines and stagecraft that mirrors Jackon’s own.

“Not in a million years did I think I would make a career out of this,” said Ben, who will launch the opening night of his 2015 tour at Margate Winter Gardens this weekend.

The talented performer first started out when he was 16.

“I was singing to some of my friends in a class at school and they said I sounded like him, and why didn’t I try singing and dancing like him,” explains Ben.

“I ended up hiring halls and selling tickets for about £2 and selling out.”

Today, Ben performs up and down the country in theatres to hundreds of MJ fans, while away from the stage, he spends hours mastering dance moves to songs such Thriller and Bad with his choreographer.

“Smooth Criminal is my favourite dance, it’s so iconic,” he said.

With his goal now to play to major stadiums, Ben’s show also features specialist pyrotechnics and lighting to recreate the ultimate Jackson experience.

Catch Ben in Jackson Live In Concert at the Margate Winter Gardens on Friday, February 6, at 8pm. Tickets cost £19.50. Visit www.margatewintergardens.co.uk or call 01843 296111.