Michael Jackson impersonator, 20, who lives 'double life' looks completely different out of costume

A young man who always had his sights set on becoming a Michael Jackson impersonator after becoming 'obsessed' aged eight lives a 'double life'.

Kyle, who prefers his surname to be kept private, was first exposed to the Thriller hitmaker when he was shown the musician's 1980s Pepsi advert.

As a child, he instantly fixated on the King of Pop, copying his outfits and signature moves.

He was taken by his family to go and watch tribute acts in the theatre as a youngster in fancy dress, admitting that he knew it was 'all he wanted to do'.

Aged just 20, he is one of the youngest Michael Jackson impersonators on the circuit and has built his passion into a business, riding solo as he drives himself around the UK in his mobile van to perform at venues up and down the country.

Speaking to LADbible, Kyle, from Mulguy, Scotland, explained: "I think at first my family thought it would be a phase. But I was dead set on what I wanted to do.

"It was amazing to be so young and see that. I never did too well in school, and would be in chemistry drawing pictures of what I wanted my stage layout to be. I was always dead set on it.

"My room was full of Michael Jackson memorabilia and I would practise moonwalking every day, 24/7.

"Apart from that I am just a normal 20-year-old. I go to the barbers for a fresh skin fade, do boxing and go to the gym, and then on weekends transform into MJ.

"It's a totally different persona. Like a double life. I have always felt like batman."

As a youngster, Kyle was asked to perform with a dance troupe for a Michael Jackson-inspired performance, and then quickly started getting recognition for his uncanny resemblance to the star.

Without the striking makeup, iconic outfits and curly long locks, Kyle will usually be found sporting 'trackies' and playing pool with friends, a far cry from his on-stage persona and slick moonwalking.

He first started experimenting with his mum's makeup as a youngster, later mastering the art to look just like the Billie Jean hitmaker himself.

"I've learned everything myself since being a kid," he said. "Even that young I realised it was all part of the job.

"I knew I had to look just like him, or nobody would have booked me. I was experimenting with my mum's makeup in the mirror and started getting small daft bookings here and there.

"Over time I used the power of social media and I've been lucky to have a lot of support and help."

When Kyle was younger, his family would regularly visit Turkey on holidays, which was when he got his first taste of performing.

He would see different Michael Jackson impersonators at bars, later returning to the UK and even using fake ID just to be able to perform in licensed venues.

"One woman actually approached me and asked to speak to my manager, and I just said I was there with my mum," he said.

"She owned a dance school and they wanted to put on an MJ show and for me to be the main. She supplied backing dancers and we did two sold out nights, which was amazing.

"The videos of that online meant other tribute acts who I had looked up to started reaching out to me asking me to work with them, giving me shows up and down the UK with the help of my dad who would drive me everywhere, every weekend, and never took a penny off me."

After building up his reputation, Kyle decided to go solo, now touring the UK and performing multiple times a week. He even has a show in Spain next year.

He has taken the entire show, which spans two 45 minute sets, on the road and drives a van with all his outfits and fully contained sound and lighting system.

Now, he admits he is fully booked for the next six months and has even spoken with some of the King of Pop's former dancers and security.

"I've built it all up myself," he said. "Going up and down the country and doing these shows. I've got all the PA, lights and speakers, it's a fully self-contained show.

"Michael Jackson is such a huge name and there is such a demand that I am always busy. I did three shows last week and I've got four this week.

"We are fully booked now for six moths and can't give another date out. I'd never settle for any less because the barrier for MJ is so high.

"I like being able to see places I never would've seen before. It makes me so grateful.

"If I hadn't discovered his music, what else would I be doing as a 20-year-old in Glasgow? I have been contacted by his choreographers, a guitarist and his bodyguard. I appreciate it all so much."