AMERICAN TV star David Gest is hoping to buy Plympton's historic St Elizabeth's House Hotel, the Herald has learnt.

The American concert producer and star of I'm A Celebrity – Get Me Out Of Here, who had a close relationship with pop legend Michael Jackson, was at the boutique hotel yesterday – and he told The Herald he wanted to snap up the beautiful property.

He even said he'd like to create a museum containing some Michael Jackson memorabilia at the back of the hotel.

City businessman John Steven launched the hotel three years ago and it is currently for sale through the owning company's administrators.

David Gest, the former husband of stage and screen legend Liza Minelli, said he was going to put in an offer on behalf of a 'consortium of entertainers'.

"I'm thinking of turning it into a whole different kind of hotel with more nightlife and atmosphere for Plymouth," he said. "My people are in touch.

"If the price is right – and not outrageous – I plan to buy it."

David Gest was in Plymouth between Boxing Day and yesterday. He came down with close pal Andrew Eastel, a former Plymstock resident, to visit friends and family in and around Devon.

He visited many places in the city – including bars and Lorenzo's Spanish restaurant in the city centre, which he praised – but said his favourite place was St Elizabeth's, where he stayed for two nights.

When he heard the hotel was being sold, he said, he decided to think about putting in an offer.

He said he already had grand designs for the place – including top chefs, better bars, jazz acts during the week, a huge metal canopy around the sides of the building and enough tables to cater for up to 800 people.

He even said he wanted to bring in some of the acts he recently took on a national tour, such as The Temptations featuring Dennis Edwards, Russell Thompkins Junior and the New Stylistics, Percy Sledge, Freda Payne, Billy Paul and Candi Staton, and said he'd like to create a museum at the back of the hotel where he would put about 300 exhibits, including some items once owned by Michael Jackson and Jim Morrison of The Doors.

However, thinking of the Plympton hotel's neighbours, there would be an 11pm curfew for noisier acts.

"Nobody could make money with this hotel unless they change the atmosphere," he said. "I think my name would make it work. I'd like to see football teams staying there. I've always wanted to own a hotel and there's a consortium of friends who are entertainers that St Elizabeth's would look good to.

"I'd want a new place where people in Plymouth can finally have a five-star hotel," he said.

"I've always loved Plymouth. I want to bring a little bit of showbiz to the city."

David's friend Andrew Eastel is a producer who has worked with him on numerous projects this year – and is currently producing David's next big venture, documentary My Best Friend Michael Jackson, featuring previously unseen footage of the late legend.

Andrew said the duo had a great time over the Christmas period. "David's a mint guy," he said. "It's nectar to see he wants to buy a hotel in the city and bring some celebrity to Plymouth."