An ex-BBC presenter has been questioned by police, amid allegations of sexual assault. The former star, who is said to be a household name, allegedly assaulted the female on his TV show.
It’s claimed that the man, who was at the helm of the show for decades, was accused of unwanted sexual touching on the set. The alleged incident occurred around 20 years ago, between 2005 and 2006. The man in question was engaged by an indie who made a show for the corporation.
The man denies the claims. Sources claim that the former BBC host was “stunned” to hear that he was being investigated for the alleged assault. He was interviewed under caution by the Metropolitan Police last month. In a statement, the force said that they were “investigating a report of sexual assault against a woman,” adding that it “took place in Stratford between September 2005 and December 2006.”
View 2 ImagesThe alleged incident occured two decades ago(Image: Getty Images)
The force added: “On Thursday, 14 May, a man was interviewed under caution. We remain in contact with the woman, and she continues to be supported by officers. Enquiries remain ongoing and no arrests have been made at this stage.”
Speaking to The Sun, a source said that it was “shocking” and the host was left stunned when the claims were presented to him. The source added: “But he’s co-operated and went in for the interview under caution at an arranged time and place. The alleged victim now lives outside London, and her case was referred to the Met from an outside force, which caused a bit of a delay.
“The claims are linked to his time working on the show and she’s believed to have either worked with him or been a contestant. Police have taken her complaint very seriously.”
They went on to add that the force are “doing everything they can” to investigate the historic allegations. “The presenter has not been arrested at this stage — but if he is, and if he’s charged, it will be a real bombshell. However, he maintains there’s no case to answer,” they added.
The investigation comes just weeks after former BBC Radio legend Scott Mills was dismissed from his duties at the corporation. Mills was interviewed by police in 2018 under caution after being accused of serious sexual offences against a boy under the age of 16. A full file was sent to the CPS, which said there was insufficient evidence to charge him.
Now, Mills is said to be suing the BBC for unfair dismissal, claiming that he disclosed the full details of the police investigation, including the accuser’s age, to bosses at BBC Radio 1 at the time.
Former MasterChef host Gregg Wallace was also axed a year ago, following allegations of inappropriate behaviour. Of 83 complaints against Wallace, 45 were substantiated, finding that he made people feel uncomfortable on the show.
News at 10 anchor Huw Edwards received a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and was placed on the sex offenders register in September 2024, after pleading guilty to making indecent images of children in July 2024.
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Flagship entertainment show, Strictly Come Dancing, has also been hit with sexual allegations.
The Mirror has approached the BBC for comment.
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