David Gest had fled the UK to Ireland yesterday after his visa ran out amid fears he would miss the latest Grease Is The Word edition.

ITV bosses were worried that the reality TV star would not make it back for his judging role.

A show insider told the Sun: �It was pretty late in the day when we heard about it so you can imagine our surprise.�

�He�s supposed to be live on ITV judging the Grease wannabes on Saturday. It�s a very David Gest thing to do but we are a bit miffed.�

Gest last night said he was in Dublin for a Westlife gig and would get his passport stamped while there to allow his return to the UK.