In what will be his first performances for eight years, Jackson said the shows, which will take place at the O2 in Greenwich, southeast London, would be the last time he would ever play in London.

The concerts will mark the 25 year anniversary of the release of Jackson's 'Thriller' album, the best selling album ever.

Jackson is one of the biggest musical acts of all time, with an estimated 750 million records sold.

He is believed to have agreed to a summer residency at the 20,000 capacity arena inside the old Millennium Dome in Greenwich in southeast London.

Jackson, 50, was introduced on stage last night by television presenter Dermot O'Leary - who looked embarrassed when the singer failed to arrive in front of the throng of screaming fans on cue.

When he finally did address the audience Jackson, from behind dark sunglasses, announced these would be his last London shows - but gave little else away.

The bizarre announcement ended with the singer shouting "I love you".

Immediately after the brief press conference, a statement was issued confirming Jackson would play 10 shows at the 02 arena "performing in London for the last time".