TV dancer, 74, to repay benefits

Mr Bowers lost the benefit 11 weeks ago

A pensioner who showcased his breakdancing skills on television is paying back £3,000 after his disability claims were investigated.

Fred Bowers, 74, of Sutton Bonnington, near Loughborough, appeared on ITV1's Britain's Got Talent before being knocked out in the semi-finals.

The Department of Work and Pensions found he should not get cash from the Motability scheme, along with a car.

He is repaying the cash at £10 a week - and is still performing on dance shows.

Mr Bowers said: "I've agreed to pay the money back which I said I would in the first place.

"I just want to get on with my life now. I've got some shows coming up and I want to be able to do them without being upset by what people are saying."

He said he never deliberately deceived anyone adding: "I would never do that."

Bowers said he just wanted to carry on dancing, and may have another go at Britain's Got Talent.

A spokeswoman for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said: "Although the DWP does not comment on individual cases we do investigate and take seriously all accusations of fraudulent benefits claims."