A 'Britain's Got Talent' hopeful stole a producer's wallet during his magic act.

The 38-year-old illusionist impressed crew on the ITV show when he successfully made a £10 note and a wallet disappear into thin air.

Using sleight of hand, the magician then, impressively, made the cash reappear and staff were so impressed and distracted by the trick they forgot about the missing purse.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "This bloke obviously saw that he could easily mug the producer and decided he was going to make the wallet disappear.

"He certainly proved that he had the sleight of hand necessary. And a quick sprint. It's a shame in a way. The bloke was actually quite good and might have gone far on the show."

Once the producer realised what had happened, the show executive - who believes he lost about £90 - called security but the assailant had already fled the Glasgow auditions.

The source added: "We've alerted the cops but it doesn't look like there's much we can do as we think he gave a false name. In the early stages we don't take much information from people.

Auditions for the next series of the TV talent show are currently taking place around the country, and the show ahead of the show's return to screens in March.