DAVID GEST, celebrity and former close friend of tragic music icon Michael Jackson, swept into Plymouth on Boxing Day.

The reason for Gest's festive visit to Plymouth was not immediately clear, but the eccentric music promoter spent time in the city's clubland area and cuddled up to a few delighted fans.

Gest was a contestant on I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here and starred in Celebrity Come Dine With Me on December 22. He is now planning to make a documentary, My Best Friend Michael Jackson.