Blame it on the scrumpy: The Jacksons move to Devon, but squabble over their seaside house - Showbiz - Evening Standard
       

Blame it on the scrumpy: The Jacksons move to Devon, but squabble over their seaside house

The sleepy village of Appledore urned into a Hollywood frenzy after the Jacksons came to town yesterday.

Excited villagers camped outside the five-bedroom home, rented by the family as Tito and Jackie moved in, giving the family presents including local produce and scumpy cider.

And apart from an argument over who gets which room, the family seem to be settling in nicely.

Jackie Jackson (left) with his son Siggie enjoy an ice cream during a walk around the Devonshire village of Appledore

Matthew Ryan, managing director of North Devon Holiday Homes, said of the first wave of arrivals: “I think they were exhausted by the flights, but we got them settled in quickly  -  even though there were some arguments over who was going to have which room.

“There's a lot of cameras about, but hopefully that won't bother them too much. I think they are still tired from the jet lag, but they'll relax into our slow way of life over the next few days.

The arrival of their mother, Katherine and Tito's son Siggi  has sparked rumours that the family is looking to establish a more permanent base in the Devon countryside.

The boys mother, Katherine Jackson will join her sons Jackie and Tito on the outskirts of a seaside village for the Summer

Tito Jackson and brother Jackie were the first to move in, with Jackie's son Siggy  -  also known as rap act DealZ.

They were followed by their mother Katherine, 78, Tito's girlfriend Claudia Lynx and his sons Taj, Taryll and TJ, who used to comprise boyband 3T.

The house has been let for £1,200 a week on a one-month contract.


Jackie meets the locals while taking a walk through the seaside village which he will call home for the summer

Welcoming villagers have even arranged a series of parties to celebrate the arrival of the pop family including visits to a local fish and chip shop, a hospice and even a nightclub.

There are also plans for a celebratory welcome bash on June 8, which the family will be attending.

Organised by 18-year-old fan George Warren, who runs his own online Michael Jackson merchandise store, tickets to the party sold out without hours of going on sale.

Hollywood comes to Appledore: Jackie attracts the attention of waiting media

The Jacksons are being filmed for a television documentary during their stay.

Now villagers hope the Jacksons will remain permanent fixtures and hope Michael, Jermaine and Janet will soon move in with them.

Michael is no stranger to the area having visited Exeter Football Club in 2002.

Village postmaster Michael Johns, 60, told Sky News: "It's great news. Everyone's talking about the Jacksons.

"They've rented a house on a hill with a lovely view overlooking the bay. We're looking forward to their stay. It should be great for the local tourist trade."

Home sweet home: The property the Jacksons will be staying in during their summer stay

The sleepy Devon village of Appledore has been a hive of activity since the arrival of the Jacksons

Jackie 57, and Siggy were the centre of attention as they left the house to explore their new surroundings yesterday morning, strolling along the fishing quay, where they ate ice creams and met local  residents.

One said: “They did seem to be enjoying themselves. It's not every day you see a celebrity in Appledore and I suppose that's why they've come here to live  -  to enjoy some of our peace and quiet.”

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