Clifford: Jackson death a terrible shock

Max Clifford has branded the death of Michael Jackson a "terrible shock".

The 'Thriller' star, 50, was pronounced dead last night after suffering suspected cardiac arrest. It is understood that an autopsy will be performed later today.

In a statement, Clifford said: "It is a terrible shock, you wonder if the strain of getting fit for this major tour proved too much. In recent pictures he looked anything but healthy. That's the first thought that went through my mind.

"He was always someone who seemed to find it difficult to cope with fame."

Clifford added that he last spoke to Jackson three weeks before the death of reality star Jade Goody in March. He claimed that the singer had requested to visit Goody but that it never happened.