Not sure how he's lied - the article says that he applied using the proper channels and made his position clear when filming started. Or did you not read the article?
Apparently he is facing bankruptcy following marriage problems and their home is about to be repossessed. If he is really desperate he could apply for the X Factor, assuning he can sing a bit and the beeb don't mind.
I knew about it before the programme started. They mentioned it in a review of the programmed on Five Live (I think on Simon Mayos' programme), and to look out for him because he worked for them.