The Jacksons to hit reality TV - in Devon
Last Updated: 2:08AM BST 02/04/2008
Singing superstars the Jacksons are to star in an Osbournes'-style reality TV show - set in an English fishing village.
Coming soon to a village near you?
The family have
booked a five-bed holiday home
at Appledore, near Barnstaple, on the North Devon coast and have told friends they are looking to move to the area permanently.
Their deal, believed to be with Channel 4, will see Tito Jackson based at the house with other family members - including Michael, Janet, Jermaine and parents Joseph and Katherine - flying in for short breaks.
It has been brokered by martial arts school proprieter Matt Fiddes, from Barnstaple.
He has previously escorted Michael on
a visit to Exeter City FC
and last year accompanied Jermaine on a nationwide anti-bullying campaign.
Mr Fiddes, 28, said: "They can't wait to get here.
"They love North Devon and they'll be moving into the rented house during the first week of May.
"The brothers want to live here permanently. They get no hassle from the locals and they've been blown away by the peace and beauty of the area when they've stayed with me.
"There are plans for a Jackson brothers re-union tour and I'll be helping them train them for that."
Mr Fiddes, who operates a national martial arts training franchise, added 'The TV people will follow them from California to Appledore and make a documentary on how they settle in.
"It will be modelled on the Osbournes show but with a completely different setting.
"Tito will be based in Appledore throughout and we know that his parents, Jermaine and Janet will all be dropping in.
"With Michael, you never know. He doesn't say too much. But I'll be very surprised if he doesn't show up too."
The managing director of Barnstaple-based North Devon Holiday Homes, Matthew Ryan, who arranged the £5,000-per-month let, said the property owners had given up their own holiday to hire to the Jacksons.
"It was the only way we could offer a five-week slot," he said.
"We have some fantastic holiday homes and they get booked up really quickly.
"They're in a charming house, overlooking the Torridge estuary. It's absolutely no surprise to me that they chose North Devon.
"We have guests who return year after year."
Channel 4 said it could not confirm its involvement in the "At Home With The Jacksons" TV project.
But Appledore residents are already gearing up for their arrival.
One said: "As long as they keep the music down and avoid wild parties they'll get on fine.
"If they use the village shops and pubs they'll be treated like the locals. If they hide themselves away they'll be just another bunch of incomers."
James Davison, manager of The Quay restaurant in Appledore, said: "Everyone is talking about this.
'I'm sure the family will be made welcome. They'll certainly put Appledore on the map."