SAID to be Michael Jackson's clone, Essex-based impersonator Navi is about as close to the real thing as you will ever get.

The 34-year-old mega fan started performing as the King of Pop 19 years ago and has gone onto have extensive plastic surgery to emulate the singer and even performed in front of the man himself who said he was an "amazing dancer".

This weekend Navi will be making the first of two local appearances when he performs at Castaways fish and chip restaurant in Pitsea. On Friday, November 9, he'll be back on stage at Storm nightclub in Southend.

"I do about 150 shows a year," says Navi. "I've been to 53 different countries performing so far and I love it. It all started because I was such a huge Michael Jackson fan when I was younger. I came to the UK from the Caribbean when I was seven years old - that was the late Seventies and Jackson mania was just taking off."

Now recognised as the world's number one Michael Jackson impersonator, Navi has starred in adverts, pop videos and films and has even been the subject of his own MTV documentary.

He also works as a decoy for the star when he wants to detract attention from himself and in 2002 had the honour of performing as the opening act at his 45th birthday party in Los Angeles.

"I got to meet him afterwards and he was so encouraging," says Navi.

"I said it's a pleasure to meet you and he said, no, it's a pleasure to meet you'. He said I was an amazing dancer and the day after the show I was invited to go around Neverland Ranch as a guest - it was amazing."

Such is Navi's love and respect for the singer, he even sat through the 2005 court trial that found him not guilty of child abuse.

"I sat in the court house when he was going through the trial," he says.

"I supported him the whole way through and stood outside with a plaque that said smooth, but not a criminal. That got broadcast across the world."

Navi as Michael Jackson Saturday, November 3 Castaway Restaurant Northlands Pavement, Pitsea Price: £25 (includes three course meal) 9pm 01268 557493 Navi as Michael Jackson Friday, November 9 Storm nightclub Elmer Approach, Southend Admission: Prices vary throughout the night 9pm until 3am 01702 333277