A MICHAEL Jackson tribute act who is set to perform at the Wyvern Theatre met the star’s former bodyguard this week.

Ben Bowman, who will be performing Jackson Live in Concert at the Wyvern on June 23, met Matt Fiddes at the theatre on Wednesday.

Matt, who is from Swindon, was Michael Jackson’s UK bodyguard for 10 years.

“I try to support everyone who tries to keep the Michael Jackson legacy going,” said Matt.

“Ben has done a good job at looking like him and the good thing about him is he hasn’t had plastic surgery done, he has pulled it off through make-up. I plan to be at his performance on the night.

“Michael used to come to Swindon a lot. We watched a film with the kids at Greenbridge cinema and we went to Cotswold Wildlife Park.

“He was fascinated with the Magic Roundabout. He was like a child and used to make us go round and round it.”

Jackson Live in Concert sees long-time fan Ben recreate the Michael Jackson experience renditions of his songs.

Ben is joined on the stage by a live band and dancers who work their way through MJ’s hits.

Ben, who is touring the country, said: “Performing as Michael Jackson is incredible and exciting. There was a lot of hysteria surrounding Michael Jackson and you get a proportion of that back from the audience.

“The show is based on all three world tours and there are concepts from This Is It. Man in the Mirror will always be my favourite. It is the pinnacle of Michael Jackson.”

For tickets visit wyverntheatre.org.uk or call the ticket office on 01793 524 481.