Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston had an "ultra-secret affair", it has been claimed.

The King of Pop died in 2009 from acute Propofol intoxication, while Whitney passed away earlier this year. She accidentally drowned in the bath of her hotel room and it was ruled that sustained cocaine use also played a part in her death.

According to Michael's former bodyguard Matt Fiddes, the pair enjoyed a passionate romance before she married Bobby Brown in 1992. They kept their relationship secret but Matt insists Michael never came to terms with it ending.

"One of the many stories that has never been told about Michael is that he had an ultra-secret affair with Whitney Houston that he never got over," Matt told British newspaper The Sun.

"They met because they were two of the biggest recording artists on the planet and mixing in the same circles. They instantly connected as kindred spirits because they understood each other's massive fame.

"Whitney practically moved in to Michael's ranch and they had a fling like any other young couple. But Michael said later he had always hoped the relationship had gone further, and I know he dreamed of marrying her."

Despite the depth of Michael's feelings for Whitney, the pair were only an item for two weeks.

Once they split up they didn't see each other for many years. Eventually they met in 2001, when concerts were being staged at New York's Madison Square Garden in honour of Michael's 30th anniversary in music.

"They shared what would be their final hugs and Michael begged Whitney to get off the drugs that were destroying her life," Matt claims.

"The two of them whispered that they loved each other as they hugged. The emotion was written all over their faces."

Matt met Michael via psychic Uri Geller and was in touch with the superstar right up until his death.

The singer was renowned for his unconventional personal life. He once had a pet monkey and his children would always wear masks to cover their faces when he took them out.

According to Matt, many of the rumours about the star were actually generated by Michael.

"The story about him sleeping in an oxygen tank to maintain his youth was a stunt, he had the pictures sent out himself," Matt told the publication

"He thought it was great press though everyone warned it was making him look strange adding to the Wacko Jacko' nickname he despised.

"He would also strive to create an air of mystery around himself."