Britain's Got Talent hopeful Richard Bates has been forced to quit the show after being exposed as a sex offender.

Lancashire Police contacted producers after seeing the George Formby impersonator on Thursday's edition of the Simon Cowell talent contest.

Bates, 27, was involved in an "incident" with a boy of 14 in 2001 and was placed on the Sex Offenders' register for 3 years. Police were concerned that his TV appearance could cause "further distress" to his victim.

A spokeswoman for the show confirmed: "In consultation with us Richard chose to withdraw himself."

Bates had claimed that his decision to withdraw came after his organ stand collapsed on his left hand but last night conceded that it was a lie. Protesting his innocence, he told The Sun: "I basically got into trouble for tickling a lad’s feet. I got a discharge in court."