Michael Jackson starts work on new album

Michael Jackson has begun recording his first new material since 2001.

The singer is releasing the album through the Bahrain-based label, Two Seals.

According to a statement from the label, Jackson has signed a deal with Abdulla Hamad Al-Khalifa, a member of Bahraini royal family.

The album, which expected to be released next year, will be the singer’s first album of new material since ’Invincible’ in 2001.

“I’m enjoying being back in the studio making music,” Jackson said in a statement and added that he was “incredibly excited” about the new album.

Jackson has been living in the Middle East since being acquitted of child abuse charges in 2005.

The star has been charting regularly in the UK this year after his classic singles were the subject of a reissue programme similar to the one Elvis Presley enjoyed last year. the most recent hit was 'Smooth Criminal', which went straight in at Number 19 on Sunday (April 16).