Frail face of Jacko about to reach 50

There were fresh fears for the health of Michael Jackson today after the singer was seen in Las Vegas looking frail.

The star - who celebrates his 50th birthday tomorrow - looked gaunt during a visit to Planet Hollywood.

Jackson has been a nearrecluse since he was cleared of child abuse charges in 2005 and spends most of his time in Las Vegas.

He is seen from time to time with his children Prince Michael I, 11, Paris, 10, and Prince Michael II, six, surrounded by bodyguards.

His appearance is in contrast to a computer-generated image released this week which shows the singer as he might have looked without any facial surgery.

A new album, King of Pop, is due out this year.