Jackson will not attend Goody's funeral

Michael Jackson will not attend Jade Goody's funeral, publicist Max Clifford has said.

Reports had suggested that the 'Thriller' star would be among mourners attending this Saturday's service after he telephoned Goody just days before her death.

However, Clifford told Sky News: "Michael was never, ever coming, it was never on the agenda. He also feels the focus of the funeral should be about her and her family.

"But he has sent a lovely message of condolence to her family, that she was a brave girl and that her message will save a lot of lives, and he will be sending flowers."

Clifford confirmed that Goody's family want Katie Price to stay away from the service, which is to be held at St John The Baptist Church in Buckhurst Hill, Essex.

He said that they are angry with the star for criticising Goody's decision to go public about her cervical cancer last September. "The family have made it very they clear they don't want her there," he said.