The chance to perform on the same stage as Michael Jackson is an opportunity most dancers can only dream of. But for 12 lucky hopefuls it's become a reality now the king of pop has chosen the back-up dancers for his summer tour.

After being hand-picked from as far afield as America, Canada and Germany, finalists endured a rigorous selection process. 

They were put through their paces during three days of X Factor-style auditions which originally attracted the talents of more than 5,000 applicants. Billie Jean icon Michael, 50, was assisted in his decision by the show's director along with a top choreographer. 

The successful dozen will spend the summer performing alongside the Thriller star during his This Is It tour which opens at London's O2 arena on July 8