The latest allegations of child abuse surrounding Michael Jackson threaten to de-throne the so-called King of Pop.

But for Ben Bowman, who studied performing arts at Canterbury College and is now the UK’s leading tribute act to the late superstar, it is business as usual.

That means a legion of fans for his show, Michael, which has kept him almost permanently on tour for the last 10 years and led to the most prestigious gig of his career at the London Palladium on Saturday.

But he is not prepared to be drawn on the allegations of paedophilia against Jackson made in a recent TV documentary, which critics say have damaged the star’s legacy.

“To be honest, I can’t really comment on those - I didn’t know him as a person,” said the 32-year-old performer.

“I’ve just always been a massive fan of his music and the art that he created, and that still stands for me and a lot of people.

“All I do know is that the shows are still selling very well and people are continuing to come out to enjoy his art. I speak to lots of fans after the show and they still absolutely love it.”

Ben first saw Jackson as a star-struck eight-year-old at the former Wembley stadium in 1993 on his Dangerous tour.

It inspired him to sing and dance and develop his talent for imitating Jackson’s look, voice and moves to uncanny effect.

Now his shows are meticulous full-scale recreations of Jackson’s live performances, with 15 musicians, dancers and sound and lighting technicians.

Shrugging off the latest claims about the superstar, Ben claims there has been “no negative impact at all” during his current 80-date tour and he remains as passionate as ever about putting on the spectacle.

He said: “We are recreating what people loved about Michael and the entertainment spectacle that went along with it.

“It’s still physically very demanding but when you do something you love so much, it gives you the drive to do it.

Ben says he will continue to perform as Jackson for as long as he can.

“Well, I’m only 32 and Michael was 50, so I hope to have a few more years in me yet,” he said.

Tickets for Ben’s show at the Palladium were selling strongly this week. He is also performing in Tunbridge Wells on Friday, April 12.

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