Michael Jackson Michael Jackson Reports regarding the arrangements for Michael Jackson's funeral say his body may be returned to his Neverland ranch on Thursday.

It is thought that the family will conduct a private ceremony before opening the doors to the public. It has also been rumoured that there may be a public viewing of the body.

Precise details of the funeral have not yet emerged but over a million fans are expected to pay homage to the star.

Reverend Al Sharpton, who has been advising the Jackson family on funeral arrangements, said any type of funeral would help to "frame the legacy” of the singer.

He said: "It is the determination of the family to be careful and deliberate on how they plan his celebration of life because we're talking about a historic figure that really changed pop culture around the world. This is not something you do carelessly and spontaneously."

There has been further speculation that the Jackson family could hold a series of simultaneous services across the globe to reflect Jacko's worldwide appeal.