Lifestyle

The King of Pop was enjoying a career resurgence in 2009 when he announced a series of 50 comeback gigs at London's O2 arena. Many believed that the 'Thriller' star was not fit enough for the epic undertaking, especially if he was left weakened following child abuse allegations in the preceding years.

The star eventually succumbed on June 25 2009 following a heart attack, aged 50. His memorial service was broadcast live across the world, with viewing figures hitting one billion. Jackson's albums also enjoyed various re-entries into the charts. In the 72 hours after his death, the Jackson story generated double the web news as coalition troops entering Iraq did during the same timeframe.