SUSPERSTAR DJ Fatboy Slim loves the i360 and cannot wait to go up when it opens on Thursday.

The Hove DJ, real name Norman Cook, said the tower was "forward thinking and brave" and compared it to the iconic Royal Pavillion and Palace Pier.

But he admitted the seafront attraction has caused a difference of opinion at home between himself and wife Zoe Ball.

"I love it, but Zoe is not so sure", he said.

The Argus is counting down the days to the official opening of the British Airways i360 on Thursday - with five days to go.

Norman will more than likely be able to get a birds' eye view of the roof of his house in Western Esplanade from the top of the viewing tower.

He said his children Nelly, six and Woody, 16, called the glass viewing pod "the doughnut" and excited about taking their first ride up the 460ft tower.

He added: "I personally think it will be the best thing to happen to Brighton since Churchill Square was rebooted. In years to come it will become as iconic to our city as the Pavillion or the piers.

"Yes it is eccentric, daring and not necessarily in keeping with its surroundings but doesn't that describe our whole city?

"We thrive on being forward thinking, brave and attracting visitors. That's what this city was built on.

"And to the naysayers, just think when the Royal Pavillion was unveiled I wonder how many people said, 'my my, what a tasteful piece of modest architecture in keeping with its surroundings.'"

Norman visited the site of the i360 during the construction phase.

Architects David Marks and Julia Barfield describe the i360 as a "modern day vertical pier which invites visitors to walk on air and gain a new perspective of the city, just as the West Pier invited Victorian society to walk on water."

The British Airways i360 ticket office will be open from Monday (1st) and Brighton and Hove residents will be able to buy a £1 annual membership entitling them to discounted tickets.

See Monday's paper for more news on the i360's opening.