TV show 'has unseen Jackson footage'

The producer of a planned reality show starring Michael Jackson's family has suggested that the project could feature previously unseen footage of the late star.

It recently emerged that A&E had commissioned a one-hour special following the lives of Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Randy several months before Jackson's death. It had been intended as a "backdoor" pilot ahead of a potential series.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, producer Jodi Gomes said: "We have months and months of exclusive and intimate footage as a family, as a unit, as individuals, as brothers. It's enormous... this is not your average special."

Gomes explained that she could not reveal specific details because of a confidentiality agreement, but added: "A lot of it had to do with Michael... We were filming long before Michael announced his [London] O2 shows. The Jackson 5 were to have dates as well."

A&E recently confirmed that it was in discussions with the Jackson family over the future of the project, which had been scheduled to air sometime next year.