A choreographer who was the last person to work with Michael Jackson on his ill-fated concert tour told a judge yesterday the superstar seemed unwell and not in a fit condition six days before he died.

Kenny Ortega said Jackson went home early from rehearsals at his suggestion.

Mr Ortega said he was summoned the next morning to Jackson’s home and told by cardiologist Conrad Murray to try not to be Jackson’s doctor or psychiatrist.

Dr Murray suggested Jackson should not have been sent home because he was physically and emotionally fine, Mr Ortega testified.

The testimony came during a preliminary hearing to determine if Dr Murray, the singer’s personal physician, will be tried on a charge of involuntary manslaughter.

Deputy District Attorney David Walgren said in his opening statement that Jackson was already dead when Dr Murray summoned help.

He alleged the doctor tried to conceal his administering of the powerful anaesthetic propofol to the superstar, ordering a bodyguard to collect items before paramedics were called.

Mr Ortega, who later directed the Jackson concert film This Is It based on rehearsal footage, said the pop star was in good spirits through most of the rehearsals and was excited about the progress being made.