Breakdancer Howie Fifer failed to make it into the reality-TV series Britain’s Got Talent. But having auditioned and shown his moves, he now says he finds them remarkably similar to some of those used by George Sampson, the 14-year-old who impressed the judges and public to be crowned the winner of this year’s series.

Mr Fifer, 28, claims that he performed some of the same moves to the same music at his audition, titled Breaking in the Rain, last October. The audition was filmed by the show’s producers. Mr Fifer did not make it through the audition process, but says he was shocked recently to see a recording of George Sampson winning with his Singin’ in the Rain act. Mr Fifer tells People: “I had seen George’s first audition and it had nothing to do with my audition. I couldn’t believe it.” He says: “I like George. I think he is a nice lad and wish him all the best. But it’s a bit of a coincidence to have the same moves in the same year.”

A spokesperson for the show said: “Any similarities are purely coincidental.”

Mr Fifer, who began breakdancing at the age of six, is now more determined than ever to pursue his ambition of becoming a professional actor and dancer. He has already applied for the next series of Britain’s Got Talent. “If this doesn’t go anywhere, then I also want to teach dance and drama to underprivileged children.” He lives in Ilford, Essex.