EXCLUSIVE

by Dave Burke

dave.burke@essnmedia.co.uk

News of superstar Michael Jackson's tragic demise has stunned the world since it was announced.

And two Croydon girls who have more reason than most to be reeling are Channel Staple and Mary Noel, who joined the legendary showman onstage the last time he was ever to perform in the UK.

Today the pair, who both work as volunteers at a South Croydon events management company, said they were devastated about the star's premature death.

They still treasure memories of meeting Jackson at the World Music Awards back in 2006, when he picked up a lifetime achievement award at Earls Court.

Although not expected to perform, he delighted fans launching into We Are The World - just yards in front of Channel and Mary - who provided backing vocals.

They were singing with a choir at the event.

Channel, 23, who lives in South Norwood, told the Advertiser: "It was one of the last concerts he ever did, people have been calling us all day saying they're showing the footage on TV.

"I just can't believe he's dead."

And Mary, 24, said: "It was an experience I will never forget.

"When I met him, I planned to say 'Hi Michael' but when he shook my hand nothing came out.

"We were expected to be singing by ourselves, everyone was a bit starstruck when he came onstage.

"He was given a mic, and that's when he sang a couple of lines."

And she added: "I grew up with Michael Jackson and his music.

"I can't believe what's happened, it was a real shock."

At the time of the show, no one could have imagined it would be the last time Jackson ever performed in the UK.

Neither Channel nor Mary actually expected to be performing at the show - at the time they were both studying for events management degrees and had approached the organisers as volunteers.

Jackson, 50, died last night after suffering a massive heart attack at his Los Angeles home on Thurday night.

He had been due to perform at the o2 Arena over the summer, but sadly the Earls Court show was to be his UK swansong.