Michael Jackson has gone on hunger strike in a bid to beat skin cancer, according to reports.

The star has denied he is suffering from the disease, but today's Sun newspaper claims Jackson has drastically cut down on his food intake as a result of the illness.

The newspaper, which has maintained that Jackson has the disease, reports that the star, who is 5ft 10ins tall, is eating just one meal a day, and currently weighs less than 9st.

The 50-year-old singer believes that if he puts on weight he won't beat the illness, the newspaper claims.

“Michael has a phobia about getting fat,” a source said. “He doesn’t want to put on any weight at all.

“But he is insistent that he’ll only eat once a day and is adamant that’s enough food from him. He’s very thin and frail."

A spokesperson for Jackson denied he was suffering from skin cancer last month, insisting the star was in great health.

But the King of Pop has been spotted regularly leaving a Los Angeles medical clinic over recent weeks, sparking fears for his health.

Jackson is currently rehearsing for his 50-night concert residency in London, which begins on July 13.

Promoters have insisted the gigs will go ahead.

(by Jason Gregory)