Mark Lester:"I'm The Real Father Of Michael Jackson's Daughter"

In an astonishing interview, Jacko's long term pal confessed to the News of the World that he secretly donated sperm to help the singer have children.

Until two weeks ago the child star of Oscar- winning classic Oliver! had not told anyone his story - not even his wife. Even now he has only shared it with his closest family members.

But today Mark, 51, is speaking out, convinced by the uncanny and growing likeness of 11-year-old Paris to his 15-year-old daughter Harriet (pictured above). He is certain he fathered them both. And he has pledged to take a paternity test to prove it.

"It's been a secret for so long," said Mark. "In 1996 Michael asked me if I would give him my sperm and I said yes. It was a gift to him, no money was paid, it was something I was honoured to do. He wanted children so badly."

And Mark, now an osteopath and acupuncture specialist, is only speaking out because after Jacko's death he fears he will be maneuvered out of the lives of his Godchildren - Paris, 12-year-old Prince and Blanket, seven.

"With Michael's mother Katherine now their legal guardian it's like the kids are being isolated," he said. "Up until Michael's memorial I was in touch with them on a weekly basis. "I'm the Godparent to them and Michael was Godparent to all my four kids. Our two families spent a lot of time together, and had a lot fun together. Now I'm not able to have any communication with the children. My repeated phone calls aren't returned and emails go unanswered.

"This isn't what Michael would have wanted. I feel I have to come forward, as my only way of saying, 'Please don't shut me out!'"