The Darkness star Frankie Poullain escaped a hefty smuggling fine in Chile by offering Lady GaGa tickets to an immigration official.

The Scottish bassist landed in trouble when he was caught travelling with an apple, in breach of border regulations, but he avoided punishment by promising a customs guard passes to see Lady Gaga, who The Darkness are supporting on tour.

He explains, "Cops came and I faced a £160 fine - before I offered the clerk Gaga tickets."