TV BOSSES could scrap the final of popular quiz show Fifteen to One after launching an investigation into claims that a convicted sex offender had taken part.

And Channel 4, which was due to screen two shows featuring the former East Lancashire teacher, is now considering making all future would-be contestants reveal any criminal convictions before they are considered.

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph was contacted by several viewers of the Channel 4 show who said the man was to appear in the show.

The 42-year-old, of Burnley, is a former primary school teacher in East Lancashire who was convicted at Preston Crown Court in 1994 of four sex assaults on girl pupils and sent to prison for two years.

Sentencing him Judge Reginald Lockett, who had earlier ordered that his name should not be published, said: "There were offences committed on young children and that is an aggravating feature. You were in a position of trust.

"You are a man of previous good character and you have lost everything you have worked for.

"I have a public duty to perform in sending you to prison, which gives me no pleasure." He is due to appear on the programme on December 18 on the programme presented by William G.Stewart, winning his heat, and achieving a score high enough to earn a place in the grand final, which is set to be screened before the end of the year.

After the Lancashire Evening Telegraph contacted the Press office for Channel 4 an emergency meeting of programme controllers was convened and today TV bosses announced they may consider pulling the plug on both shows.

Spokesman Alan McLaughlin said: "We are investigating an allegation that has come to light about one of our contestants on Fifteen to One.

"If this allegation is proved to be true we would have to consider the appropriateness of showing these two shows.

"We are also considering whether people have to reveal criminal records."

At the man's home his father confirmed his son had taken part in the programme and won a place in the grand final but he said he didn't win the quiz.

He said his son, who now works in Accrington, would be available to speak later in the day. Later in the day a man answering the 'phone at the house said: "He has asked me to say he doesn't want anything in about it."