Uri Geller told Sky News: “I’m absolutely devestated and shocked. He was a young man terribly fit and basically in good shape. If it is true I am just in total shock.”

Paul Gambaccini told the BBC: "Definitely one of the greatest stars of recorded music. There is no doubt of that. He would be in the top 10 of all time, regardless of who the other nine people were. There's no doubt that the records will be listened to for decades to come."

Matt Blank from the Michael Jackson World Network fanclub told BBC News 24 he was “a bit dumfounded and a bit shellshocked by it all”. He added: “I find it hard to believe this could be a reality. In the past, health issues of Michael Jackson have always been rumoured. I can only imagine this is down to the amount of stress he was under to come out and perform. It’s just unimaginable that Michael Jackson is no more, it’s just unbelievable.”

The Rev Al Sharpton, a leading US civil rights campaigner and friend of Jackson, told Sky News: “As a friend of Michael’s for the past 35 years, I call on people from around the world to pray for him and his family.

Demi Moore wrote on Twitter: “I am greatly saddened for the loss of both Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. Especially for their children!”

Ashton Kutcher, her husband, has posted on his Twitter feed: “RIP. Sending love and light to family and friend but especially his kids. Plea to the press to respect his wishes of maintaining the anonymity of his children. I plea to the public to refuse to consume media that does not respect the anonymity of Michaels children.”

Quincy Jones, the music producer, told MSNBC: “I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news. I’ve lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him.”

David Miliband, the Foreign Secretary, wrote on Twitter: “Never has one soared so high and yet dived so low. RIP Michael.”

Times Recommends

• Should Knox’s trial even have reached the courtroom?
• 'Was it real?' The US bailout nightmare
• Iranian opposition plays the long game