Comedian, magician and escapologist Nicky Flash had to call a halt to his audition when he got stuck inside a padlocked duvet cover he was trying to escape from.

The 35-year-old full-time entertainer from Francis Street, central Blackpool, needed to be carried off the stage by St John Ambulance staff amid storms of laughter from the audience.

He said: "I had just begun my escape when I realised I was stuck.

"I broke my knee stiltwalking about six weeks ago and have only just had my splint removed.

"I was in two minds whether I should cancel my audition but thought I might as well give it a go.

"While I was in the duvet I realised my leg had seized up and I was stuck.

"I started panicking but could hear the audience all laughing their heads off.

"I shouted to Ant and Dec that I needed help but they said I should just carry on as I was getting a laugh.

"Eventually St John Ambulance came on and carried me off, apparently Simon was gobsmacked."

More than 3,000 people saw the auditions for the ITV talent show on Sunday at the Opera House with Judges Simon Cowell, actress Amanda Holden and journalist Piers Morgan deciding the fate of would-be stars.

Mr Flash was philosophical about his failure to get through to the next round.

He said: "I guess it's just one of those things, I was lucky I didn't fall over and hit my head."

St Annes dog trainer, Ann Dorizzio, 49, found herself on the receiving end of Simon Cowell's caustic comments when her snake charmer dance piece featuring pet border collie Boyce failed to impress. Cowell told the mum-of-two from Lightburne Avenue her routine made "uncomfortable viewing".

"Simon was horrible to me," said Ann. "I only did it for a bit of fun to promote positive dog training. I won't be back next year!"

The day wasn't a disaster for everybody who took part however, young dancer Ryan Fenton, 12, from Layton got the thumbs-up from the judges and will be fine tuning his act in time for the second round in February.

The Bispham High Student from Kingscote Drive said: "I did a dance routine to a Scissor Sisters song, Simon took a long time to decide because he wasn't sure about the choreography but then he said yes. Amanda said no, but changed her mind to yes because the audience were screaming for me. Piers said no but I was through by then."