A figure-skating Minion has been handed a Winter Olympics reprieve after Universal Studios caved to public pressure to allow him to use music from the Despicable Me franchise.

Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate, who performs in yellow and blue overalls to mimic a Minion from the films, faced the prospect of changing his entire routine just days before competing after the movie behemoth hit him with a copyright complaint last Friday.

However, after posting about the setback on social media, the studio has relented, meaning he can push on with his original plan for the men’s short programme in Milan.

Guarino Sabate, 26, said: ‘Huge thank you to everyone who reposted, shared, and supported. 

'Because of you, Universal Studios reconsidered and officially granted the rights for this one special occasion.

‘There are still a couple of things to be tied up with the other two musics of the programme, but we are so close to accomplishing it! And it's all thanks to you.’

Guarino Sabate had said he followed all required procedures and submitted the music through the ISU ClicknClear system in August, and only learned about the copyright clearance issue last week.

In his initial post, he wrote: ‘I was informed that I am no longer permitted to use this program due to copyright clearance issues. 

'I will face this challenge head-on and do everything I can to make the best of the situation.’

The Games formally commence with the opening ceremony at the San Siro on Friday.