BBC presenter scandal – latest: Met police say ‘no investigation at this time’ after meeting with BBC

The Metropolitan Police has confirmed that “there is no investigation at this time” regarding allegations that a BBC presenter paid a teenager around £35,000 for sexually explicit images.

“Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command met with representatives from the BBC on the morning of July 10. The meeting took place virtually”, a statement from the Met read.

“They are assessing the information discussed at the meeting and further enquiries are taking place to establish whether there is evidence of a criminal offence being committed.”

Since the publication of the claims in The Sun last week, the presenter allegedly has made panicked phone calls to the youngster and asked “What have you done?”. It has also been claimed he asked the now 20-year-old to get their mother to “stop the investigation”.

Meanwhile, police are investigating a report of malicious communications made on social media towards a BBC presenter who was falsely accused.

Key Points

• BBC presenter suspended

• Top BBC presenter ‘stripped to underwear in video call with teen he paid for explicit pictures’

• Stars speak out ‘after top presenter paid teen for explicit photos’

• BBC has ‘very serious questions’ to answer over presenter in sexual image scandal

• Mother of victim blames BBC presenter for turning child into ‘ghost-like crack addict’

No Met investigation ‘at this time’ into BBC presenter

15:46 , Holly Evans

Detectives are assessing information discussed in a virtual meeting with the BBC over allegations a presenter paid a teenager for sexual images but there is no investigation “at this time”, the Metropolitan Police said.

A Met statement said: “Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command met with representatives from the BBC on the morning of Monday, 10 July. The meeting took place virtually.

“They are assessing the information discussed at the meeting and further enquiries are taking place to establish whether there is evidence of a criminal offence being committed.

“There is no investigation at this time.”

Eamonn Holmes says BBC are ‘prolonging the inevitable’

17:05 , Holly Evans

Speaking on GB News, he said: “I’m not sure exactly why the presenter hasn’t been named yet.

“I’m not sure whose purpose that serves because sure as heck, that name will be out in the next couple of days.

“I mean, they’re only just prolonging the inevitable on this.”

He added: “The Sun newspaper has a direct relationship with the family involved so they know everything that is going on.

“And they believe that they have the presenter bang to rights on this one, there’s no getting out of it.”

BBC at risk of looking ‘ridiculous’, says former Guardian editor

16:45 , Holly Evans

The BBC is at risk of looking “ridiculous” should it not release the name of the suspended presenter soon, the former editor of The Guardian has said.

“This information, when it comes out, will be potentially career-ending, it could be criminal, it could be the end of this person’s freedom,” Alan Rusbridger told Sky News.

“It’s a very big decision as to when to release it, but I think increasingly it will look ridiculous if [the BBC] don’t come out and make some kind of statement soon.”

Met Police investigating ‘malicious communications’ report

15:41 , Holly Evans

Scotland Yard has just released the following statement, saying it will investigate “malicious communications” regarding online speculation surrounding a suspended BBC presenter.

“On Saturday police received a report of malicious communication in relation to a post on social media.

“An investigation is under way and enquiries are ongoing, there have been no arrests.”

Lee Anderson calls BBC ‘a safe haven for perverts’

14:55 , Holly Evans

The Tory party’s right-wing deputy chairman Lee Anderson has branded the BBC a “safe haven for prevents”.

Mr Anderson told the Express: “The BBC have given us a whole raft of perverts including Jimmy Savile, Rolf Harris and Stuart Hall. Why is anyone shocked? … It’s time this tax payer funded safe haven for perverts was made a subscription service.”

Fellow Tory right-winger Philip Davis said: “Tim Davie has a lot of explaining to do - why they did nothing until it surfaced in the papers when a complaint had gone in over a month ago.”

Tory MP Marco Longhi added: “This latest event just shows how, again, the organisation seems to be more concerned about its own reputation management than facts and transparency Tim Davie should be answering these questions.”

‘Lot more to the case than meets the eye,’ former BBC editor says

14:43 , Holly Evans

A former BBC News editor said he thinks “there is a lot more to the case than meets the eye”.

Sir Craig Oliver, who was director of communications for David Cameron at No 10 Downing Street and was a senior editor at BBC News, said: “I do think that alarm bells should be ringing for all of us.”

He told Today on Radio 4: “We’re on day three of this story, it has been the front page of The Sun for the last three days and they still have not named the presenter.”

Sir Craig says The Sun has likely been advised against taking that step because “the burden of proof, in a lot of ways, has not been met”.

Could suspended star be jailed over explicit photos?

14:16 , Holly Evans

A high-profile BBC presenter has been accused of paying a teenager more than £35,000 for explicit pictures.

Once the allegations went public, the now-suspended star said, “what have you done?” in an effort to try and “stop the investigation”, it has been claimed.

It came afterThe Sun reported last week how the star allegedly appeared in his underwear in a video call and began paying the person for explicit content when the complainant was 17.

Oliver Pritchard-Jones has more

BBC presenter scandal : Could suspended star be jailed over explicit photos?

BBC’s Nicky Campbell reacts to being falsely named in teen explicit pictures scandal

14:00 , Holly Evans

BBC’s Nicky Campbell reacts to being falsely named in teen explicit pictures scandal

Jeremy Vine addresses presenter scandal in radio show

13:55 , Holly Evans

Radio 2 presenter Jeremy Vine has now taken to the air for the first time since he was accused of being the unnamed presenter over the weekend.

He wrote on social media on Saturday: “Just to say I’m very much looking forward to hosting my radio show on Monday — whoever the “BBC Presenter” in the news is, I have the same message for you as Rylan did earlier: it certainly ain’t me.”

He began his show today by saying: “It goes without saying that, for legal reasons, we won’t name the person, but during the day it may change, you may find that there are developments, but let’s see.”

Mr Vine also addressed social media speculation linking him to the unnamed presenter, after saying he’d been “smacked around on Twitter”.

“By virtue of me talking into this microphone, I can’t believe I’m even having to say this: It can’t be me.”

13:35 , Holly Evans

A top lawyer who led the prosecution in the Rochdale grooming gang cases, said he was “surprised that this person was not suspended once [the BBC] became aware of the gravity of the allegation”.

Nazir Afzal added: “The police should have been engaged as soon as they worked out whether the complaint was genuine. Where are we now the middle of July? Six, seven weeks on.

“They should have advised the police that this is a matter that they should be investigating, and that should have been done weeks ago.

“There’s no justification for the police not having become involved as early as possible.

He also warned against people speculating on social media, stating: “Don’t do it.”

Former legal correspondent thinks BBC will be attempting to convince presenter to ‘say something’

13:15 , Holly Evans

The BBC’s former legal correspondent Joshua Rozenberg told Sky News that he thinks the broadcaster will be attempting to convince the presenter to “say something” soon.

“We imagine that they are desperately trying to persuade the presenter concerned to actually say something, but if he is choosing not to, presumably on legal advice, then they have a risk,” Mr Rozenberg said.

“They have a duty to their presenter who works for them, they have a duty to the public to let them know what’s going on”.

He added that he suspected any police investigation was “at its very, very early stages” and and any investigation and prosecution would be a “long way off”.

Downing Street warn social media sites after accusations made against BBC stars

12:49 , Holly Evans

Downing Street warned social media sites to ensure their platforms were “properly policed” following baseless accusations against various BBC personalities following the reports.

“Both the users of social media sites and the sites themselves have responsibility,” the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said.

People “should understand their responsibilities, and putting baseless accusations online can carry consequences”.

The spokesman added: “We have been very clear with the sites themselves about their responsibilities on making sure these things are properly policed.”

BBC stars such as Rylan Clark, Jeremy Vine and Gary Lineker have all spoken out about the accusations, with Nicky Campbell describing it as a “distressing weekend” after he was inaccurately named on social media.

Rishi Sunak has ‘full confidence’ in BBC director-general

12:41 , Holly Evans

Downing Street said Rishi Sunak had “full confidence” in BBC director-general Tim Davie following the allegations made against a male presenter.

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer will keep a “close watch” on the handling of the claims, No 10 said.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “Obviously these allegations are concerning.

“The Secretary of State (Lucy Frazer) spoke to the director-general yesterday and was assured that the BBC is investigating this matter swiftly.

“The Met themselves have said they have received initial contact as well.

“The Culture Secretary will keep a close watch on how this develops and ensure she is regularly updated as appropriate.”

Asked if the PM had full confidence in Mr Davie, the spokesman said: “Yes.”

Family ‘upset’ by BBC’s response

12:38 , Holly Evans

The family of the teenager alleged to have been paid by a top BBC star for sexually explicit images are reportedly “upset” by the broadcaster’s response.

According to The Sun, they alleged that “no one from the BBC rang them for a proper interview after the initial complaint”.

They claimed that they reported the presenter’s behaviour to the organisation on 19 May and were left frustrated as he continued to present on-air.

Former Ofcom executive says scandal could be as damaging as Jimmy Savile

12:24 , Holly Evans

Stewart Purvis, a former executive for Ofcom, discussed how damaging the alleged scandal could be for the reputation of the BBC.

He told BBC Breakfast: “Well potentially, it’s as damaging as the Jimmy Savile affair 10 years ago.

“But I think in truth, at the bottom line, a lot of the damage will depend on the exact identity of the presenter.

“I think that’s just a fact of life, that the name of the presenter - if it ever comes out and one presumed it probably will come out in due course by some process or another - are they at the heart of the BBC or are they, in a sense, at the periphary?”

He added: “If it was somebody who was a regular appearer on the mainstream BBC programme, that would go to issues of trust in the BBC, it will go to the relationship between the BBC and licence payers, opens up a whole series of issues, and that’s in a sense the step that’s yet to come.”

Broadcaster Nicky Campbell details his ‘distressing weekend’

12:09 , Holly Evans

Nicky Campbell has spoken about his “distressing weekend” after he was “falsely named” as the BBC presenter accused of paying a teenager for sexually explicit pictures.

The broadcaster, 62, was among the famous faces forced to clear their name after allegations that a BBC presenter paid £35,000 for explicit photographs.

Introducing his BBC Radio 5 Live show on Monday, Campbell said: “Obviously thoughts with the alleged victim and family.

“So a bit of perspective here, worse things happen at sea as they say, but it was a distressing weekend, I can’t deny it, for me and others falsely named.

“Today I am having further conversations with the police in terms of malicious communication and with lawyers in terms of defamation.”

It comes after he suggested he had contacted police about being falsely mentioned online in connection with the story.

He tweeted a screenshot which featured the Metropolitan Police logo and the words: “Thank you for contacting the Metropolitan Police Service to report your crime.”

“I think it’s important to take a stand. There’s just too many of these people on social media. Thanks for your support friends,” he wrote.

‘This looks horrendous’, BBC presenter tells news outlet

11:53 , Holly Evans

Speaking to The Times, one BBC presenter said: “On the face of it, this looks horrendous — both for the individual and the institution.”

Another said: ‘Whatever the truth of it is, none of us trust managers to investigate properly. Colleagues are saying managers have been too slow in dealing with this despite it perhaps being a criminal matter.”

BBC may need to be investigated over presenter scandal, says Tory minister

11:15 , Holly Evans

The BBC may have to face an investigation into its handling of allegations that an unnamed presenter paid a teenager tens of thousands of pounds for sexually explicit images.

Asked about the internal probe into the allegation, Tory cabinet minister Alex Chalk have urged the BBC to “get on with it” and “get their house in order”.

The justice secretary told Sky News: “I think what we’re now seeing today is I understand that there’s going to be a meeting with the police, and that’s absolutely right.

Mr Chalk added: “And it may be that in the fullness of time there may need to be an investigation into how this allegation was handled. That’s quite possible.”

BBC presenter made ‘panicked calls’ to youngster

11:11 , Holly Evans

The Sun reported over the weekend that the broadcaster allegedly phoned the youngster after he was exposed last week.

He reportedly demanded ‘what have you done?’ in the call and asked his alleged victim to ring their mother to persuade her to ‘stop the investigation’.

The presenter, who has not been named, has been removed from air and is currently suspended.

This comes after it was claimed he had paid £35,000 for sexually explicit images of a 17-year-old teenager. The arrangement reportedly lasted for thee years, which eventually funded the crack cocaine addiction of the now 20-year-old.

Home Secretary says ‘prompt action ‘ is ‘vital’ in cases of serious allegations

10:39 , Holly Evans

Suella Braverman said “prompt action” is “absolutely vital” in cases of serious allegations, such as those made against the unnamed BBC presenter.

The Home Secretary, asked on ITV’s Good Morning Britain if she knows why the process has taken “so long” after a complaint was first raised in May, said: “We don’t know the facts yet, a lot of it is speculative.

“In a case of serious allegations such as these, prompt action is, of course, absolutely vital for safeguarding purposes, for justice purposes, but also for propriety purposes.”

What are the allegations against BBC presenter?

10:00 , Holly Evans

A BBC presenter allegedly paid tens of thousands of pounds to a teenager for explicit images, according to a report published on Friday.

The family of the teenager reportedly complained to the BBC in May but the broadcaster said that “new allegations were put to us on Thursday of a different nature”, according to a report by the Sun.

BBC boss Tim Davie was summoned for crisis talks on Sunday as it emerged that the company had known of the allegations against the star presenter for almost two months now.

Maroosha Muzaffar has more.

What are the allegations against BBC presenter and why hasn’t he been named?

Investigation should ‘play out before we jump to any conclusion’, says Home Secretary

09:09 , Holly Evans

Home Secretary Suella Braverman said a BBC investigation into anonymous claims that one of its presenters paid a teenager for sexually explicit images should be allowed to “play out before we jump to any conclusion”.

“These are obviously very serious allegations,” the Cabinet minister told ITV’s Good Morning Britain (GMB).

“I think it is right that we allow the process to play out in the proper way. The BBC has announced that they are carrying out an internal investigation to establish the facts.

“We need to allow that to happen. I wouldn’t want to go behind that or pre-empt any finding.”

Ms Braverman said the BBC is carrying out a fact-finding investigation and it is “important to let that play out before we jump to any conclusion”.

“We also know that the police have been in touch with the BBC – there is going to be a meeting today on what next steps should occur.

“And again, I think if the police are going to carry out an investigation, this is something that should be allowed to happen. These are very serious allegations, we need to treat them with due caution and seriousness.”

BBC stars take to Twitter to deny they’re the suspended presenter

08:43 , Holly Evans

Following speculation on social media, a number of BBC stars tweeted to say they were not the presenter in the scandal.

TV presenter Rylan Clark tweeted: “Not sure why my name’s floating about but re that story in the sun – that ain’t me babe.

“I’m currently filming a show in Italy for the bbc, so take my name out ya mouths.”

Jeremy Vine followed suit, tweeting shortly after: “Just to say I’m very much looking forward to hosting my radio show on Monday – whoever the ‘BBC Presenter’ in the news is, I have the same message for you as Rylan did earlier: it certainly ain’t me.”

He later alluded to taking legal action against Twitter trolls who had accused him of being the BBC presenter and screenshotted a number of tweets, stating his lawyer “will be in touch in the coming days”.

While Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker did not specifically mention the allegations, he tweeted: “Hate to disappoint the haters but it’s not me.”

BBC ‘need to get their house in order’, says Justice Secretary

08:26 , Holly Evans

The BBC needs to get its “house in order” or else there could be “collateral victims”, the Justice Secretary has said, following anonymous allegations made against one of the broadcaster’s presenters.

Alex Chalk told BBC Breakfast: “I’m pleased to hear that such serious and concerning allegations are being discussed with the police today.

“That is fine but I think in the fullness of time there will need to be a careful review about the chronology of this — what happened, when.

“I’m not going to cast aspersions because I don’t have all that information. But time is of the essence because it is not fair on victims, it is not fair on people who could be implicated and it is not fair on the BBC, which does an important job. I’m not here, as it were, to bash the BBC.

“But I do think that they need to get their house in order and they need to proceed promptly, otherwise you will have plenty of collateral victims of what is a deeply serious and concerning allegation.”

Justice Secretary says it’s ‘astonishing’ BBC allowed presenter to stay on air

08:02 , Holly Evans

Cabinet minister Alex Chalk said suggestions the BBC allowed a presenter to stay on air despite allegations made that they paid a teenager for sexually explicit images were “astonishing”.

The Justice Secretary told Sky News: “If that is right, then it is astonishing and you would have expected robust action to have been taken much more quickly.

“I don’t know precisely what was said, and that is why there needs to be a full discussion of this in the fullness of time.”

On the internal BBC investigation, Mr Chalk said: “I want them to get on with it.”

MPs respond to BBC presenter scandal

07:55 , Holly Evans

A number of MPs have responded to the growing crisis surrounding the BBC over its suspension of a prominent presenter, who allegedly paid a teenager for explicit images.

Former Home Secretary Priti Patel told the Sun on Sunday: “The allegations, carried by The Sun, are absolutely horrendous.

“The BBC owes an explanation to the country who funded it and placed their trust in it.

“And the Corporation must cooperate with the police if they are contacted to investigate.”

Labour’s Rachel Reeves said: “The BBC needs to get a grip. We seem to lurch from one scandal to another.”

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said that director-general Tim Davie assured her the corporation is “investigating swiftly and sensitively” into the allegations.

BBC to meet with Metropolitan Police today

07:32 , Holly Evans

The BBC is to meet the Metropolitan Police on Monday as the corporation deals with allegations that an unnamed presenter paid a teenager tens of thousands of pounds for sexually explicit images.

The corporation has been in touch with the police and confirmed a male member of staff has been suspended, while The Sun reported that the presenter at the centre of the allegations made “panicked” calls to the young person last week.

The newspaper said the presenter allegedly asked “What have you done?”, adding that it is claimed he asked them to ring their mother to get her to “stop the investigation”.

According to BBC News, the corporation will meet the Metropolitan Police later “to discuss the matter”.

How the BBC presenter scandal unfolded

07:20 , Namita Singh

A number of BBC stars have spoken out to deny any association with the explicit photos scandal that led to a presenter being suspended by the broadcaster.

A report by The Sun claimed that an unnamed presenter paid a teenager, said to have been 17 when the payments began, £35,000 in exchange for the images.

The teenager’s mother said she saw a picture of the presenter on her child’s phone “sitting on a sofa in his house in his underwear”.

Their family made a complaint on 19 May this year, it is reported.

The BBC has suspended a male employee over the allegations and says it has been in touch with external authorities - understood to be police - alongside conducting its own inquiries.

The corporation said it was made aware of a complaint in May but that new allegations of a “different nature” were brought to it on Thursday.

Here is a timeline of bombshell allegations:

Which stars have spoken out about BBC presenter scandal?

Editorial: The BBC must urgently provide answers over its presenter scandal

07:00 , Namita Singh

The calls have come from all parts of the political spectrum for the BBC to act swiftly to investigate its handling of allegations that a star presenter paid a teenager tens of thousands of pounds for explicit pictures. The BBC has belatedly suspended the presenter in question and called in the police.

Urgent talks between the culture secretary Lucy Frazer and BBC’s director-general Tim Davie on Sunday highlight the political pressure – that will only build – on the BBC to act.

Not least given that the allegations involve potential criminality. And while there have been plenty of occasions where the BBC has been used as a political football in recent times, it is clear that the corporation has serious questions to answer.

Read The Independent view:

Editorial: The BBC must urgently provide answers over its presenter scandal

BBC presenter accused of making panicked calls to teenager

06:40 , Namita Singh

The BBC presenter accused of paying a teenager for explicit pictures made panicked phone calls to them after the story was published to try and stop the investigation, it has been claimed.

The TV star, who was suspended by the broadcaster on Sunday, allegedly called the teenager twice after the claims were made in The Sun last week and asked: “What have you done?”

He also asked the alleged victim - who is now 20 but said to have been 17 when the payments began - to call their mother and get her to “stop the investigation”, according to the newspaper.

More in this report:

BBC presenter ‘made panicked calls to teenager to try and stop investigation’

Allegations against BBC presenter ‘deeply concerning’

06:20 , Namita Singh

BBC is looking into sexual misconduct allegations against an unnamed presenter “swiftly and sensitively”, a government minister said she was assured by the BBC director-general.

Culture secretary Lucy Frazer, who described the allegations as “deeply concerning”, said that the corporation needs to be given space to investigate the matter.

“I have spoken to BBC director-general Tim Davie about the deeply concerning allegations involving one of its presenters. He has assured me the BBC are investigating swiftly and sensitively,” she tweeted on Sunday.

“Given the nature of the allegations it is important that the BBC is now given the space to conduct its investigation, establish the facts and take appropriate action. I will be kept updated.”

BBC anchors come forward to deny baseless allegations against them

06:00 , Namita Singh

Several famous BBC names, including Rylan Clark, Jeremy Vine and Gary Lineker, have come forward to say publicly that they are not the presenter at the centre of the allegations of sexual misconduct, amid speculation about the person’s identity on social media.

Gary Lineker and Rylan Clark were among the BBC stars who publicly stated they were not the presenter in question, with Lineker tweeting: “Hate to disappoint the haters but it’s not me.”

While Clark wrote: “Not sure why my name’s floating about but re that story in the Sun - that ain’t me babe. I’m currently filming a show in Italy for the BBC, so take my name out ya mouths.”

Jeremy Vine also said: “Just to say I’m very much looking forward to hosting my radio show on Monday - whoever the ‘BBC Presenter’ in the news is, I have the same message for you as Rylan did earlier: it certainly ain’t me.”

Nicky Campbell suggested he had contacted police about being falsely mentioned online in connection with the story.

He tweeted a screenshot which featured the Metropolitan Police logo and the words: “Thank you for contacting the Metropolitan Police Service to report your crime.”

“I think it’s important to take a stand. There’s just too many of these people on social media. Thanks for your support friends,” he wrote.

What are the allegations brought against unnamed BBC presenter?

05:40 , Namita Singh

The allegations reported by The Sun newspaper claimed the BBC star paid the person, said to have been 17 when the payments began, £35,000 in exchange for the images.

The teenager’s mother told The Sun she saw a picture of the presenter on her child’s phone “sitting on a sofa in his house in his underwear”.

The mother said she was told it was “a picture from some kind of video call” and looked like he was “getting ready for my child to perform for him”.

The family were said to have complained to the BBC on 19 May but allegedly became frustrated that the star remained on air.

BBC has ‘robust internal processes’ to deal with sexual misconduct allegations

05:20 , Namita Singh

BBC has “robust internal processes in place to proactively deal” with allegations of sexual misconduct, said the corporation’s spokesperson as it deals with allegations that an unnamed presenter paid a teenager tens of thousands of pounds for sexually explicit images.

“The BBC first became aware of a complaint in May,” said a BBC spokesperson.

“New allegations were put to us on Thursday of a different nature and in addition to our own inquiries we have also been in touch with external authorities, in line with our protocols.

“We can also confirm a male member of staff has been suspended.

“We expect to be in a position to provide a further update in the coming days as the process continues. The BBC board will continue to be kept up to date.”

The BBC has “robust internal processes in place to proactively deal with such allegations”, said the statement, adding that “this is a complex and fast-moving set of circumstances and the BBC is working as quickly as possible to establish the facts in order to properly inform appropriate next steps”.

“It is important that these matters are handled fairly and with care.

“We have been clear that if - at any point - new information comes to light or is provided to us, this will be acted upon appropriately and actively followed up.”

All allegations of sexual misconduct taken ‘incredibly seriously’, says BBC director-general

05:00 , Namita Singh

BBC director-general Tim Davie is due to face the media on Tuesday for a scheduled briefing following the release of the corporation’s annual report, but the growing crisis involving the unnamed presenter will dominate the event.

Mr Davie has said he is “wholly condemning the unsubstantiated rumours being made on the internet about some of our presenting talent” after a host of famous BBC faces were forced to publicly state they were not the individual in question amid heavy speculation about the identity on social media.

In a note sent to staff and seen by PA, Mr Davie said the corporation takes “all such allegations incredibly seriously”.

“The BBC became aware of a complaint in May; the BBC investigations team have been looking into this since it was raised and have been actively following up,” Mr Davie told the staff on Sunday.

Tim Davie

He added: “By law, individuals are entitled to a reasonable expectation of privacy, which is making this situation more complex. I also want to be very clear that I am wholly condemning the unsubstantiated rumours being made on the internet about some of our presenting talent.

“We are in contact with the family referenced in the media reports. I want to assure you that we are working rapidly to establish the facts and to ensure that these matters are handled fairly and with care, including by external authorities where appropriate.”

‘No formal referral made’ says Met

04:40 , Namita Singh

In a statement on Sunday evening, the Metropolitan Police said it has not received any formal referral in the claims against the BBC presenter accused of paying a teenager for sexually explicit images.

“The Met has received initial contact from the BBC in relation to this matter, but no formal referral or allegation has been made.

“We will require additional information before determining what further action should follow.”

Allegations of ‘different nature’ brought against presenter

04:20 , Namita Singh

The BBC has said it had been investigating a complaint against an unnamed presenter since May, when it was first made aware, but that new allegations of a “different nature” were brought to it on Thursday.

As well as being in touch with the police, the corporation is conducting its own inquiries and talking to the young person’s family.

Pressure mounts on BBC as it deals with presenter explicit photo claims

03:58 , Namita Singh

Pressure is mounting on the BBC as it deals with allegations that an unnamed presenter paid a teenager tens of thousands of pounds for sexually explicit images.

The corporation has been in touch with the police and confirmed a male member of staff has been suspended, while The Sun reported the presenter at the centre of the allegations made “panicked” calls to the young person last week.

The newspaper said the presenter allegedly asked “what have you done?”, adding that it is claimed he asked them to ring their mother to get her to “stop the investigation”.

BBC boss to be grilled by reporters on Tuesday

Monday 10 July 2023 00:00 , Matt Drake

BBC director general Tim Davie will appear before the media on Tuesday to answer questions after the release of its annual report.

The reports are to assess the BBC's performance over a year.

In a separate statement, the BBC said it will be in a position to provide further updates on the situation in the coming days.

What do we know so far?

Sunday 9 July 2023 23:00 , Matt Drake

• A male BBC presenter has been accused of paying a teenager £35,000 for sexually explicit photographs

• The Met Police said the BBC made contact with the force

• BBC boss Tim Davie said the BBC is taking the allegations "extremely seriously"

• There were claims of a "different nature" revealed on Thursday, Mr Davie said

• Several high-profile BBC presenters have been forced to deny allegations following rumours on social media

Fresh new allegations reported

Sunday 9 July 2023 22:48 , Matt Drake

New allegations have emerged tonight that the BBC presenter made panicked calls to the teenager after the story broke.According to The Sun, the presenter called the teenager last week and asked “what have you done?”The newspaper also reported the BBC star asked the alleged victim to call their mother to try and stop the investigation.

BBC were told of new allegations of a 'different nature'

Sunday 9 July 2023 22:00 , Matt Drake

In a statement, the corporation said they were told of new allegations last Thursday.

Adding: "The BBC first became aware of a complaint in May.

"New allegations were put to us on Thursday of a different nature and in addition to our own enquiries we have also been in touch with external authorities, in line with our protocols."

BBC first made contact with police on Friday

Sunday 9 July 2023 21:02 , Matt Drake

BBC home editor Jason Farrel reported that the corporation first contacted the Met Police on Friday.

The broadcaster is said to have made further contact today.

According to the BBC, there will be more "in the coming days".

BBC Presenter: What are the allegations? What has happened so far?

Sunday 9 July 2023 20:00 , Matt Drake

The Sun newspaper spoke to a woman who claimed their child was paid £35,000 by a BBC presenter to send explicit pictures.

The mother said her child, now 20, was only 17 at the time it allegedly happened.

A male member of staff has been suspended, the corporation confirmed today.

The corporation claims it has been investigating a complaint since May when it was first made aware and that new allegations of a "different nature" were brought to it on Thursday.

The BBC has been in touch with the police alongside conducting its own inquiries and talking to the family of the teenager.

BBC director-general Tim Davie said he is "wholly condemning the unsubstantiated rumours being made on the internet about some of our presenting talent" after a host of BBC presenters were forced to publicly state they were not the individual in question amid heavy speculation about the identity on social media.

The BBC has asked former detective Jeff Brown to investigate the claims.

An obscenity lawyer said the BBC presenter, if found guilty, could face a sentence of 26 weeks which may increase if the alleged images were shared.

BBC is ‘taking matter seriously,’ says MP

Sunday 9 July 2023 19:17 , Matt Drake

Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee. Dame Caroline Dinenage said she has spoken to BBC boss Tim David today.

He is said to have given "assurances that the BBC is treating this matter seriously and with urgency".

She added: "I'm aware of the duty of care to both alleged victim and perpetrator in this case, so intend to wait until we have more info before commenting further."

Met Police had 'initial contact' from BBC

Sunday 9 July 2023 18:32 , Matt Drake

According to the Metropolitan Police Service, they have had initial contact from the BBC but no formal referral or allegation has been made.

In a statement, they said: "We will require additional information before determining what further action should follow."

Who has spoken out about BBC presenter scandal?

Sunday 9 July 2023 18:03 , Matt Drake

The BBC presenter scandal has prompted baseless speculation online about who might be involved, forcing some stars to publicly distance themselves from the allegations.

Below we take a look at who has responded to distance themselves from the claims and how the allegations unfolded:

Rylan Clark was among the first to clear his name after the scandal broke.

Mr Clark said he is in the process of filming new content with the broadcaster.

Radio 2 presenter Jeremy Vine was quick to take to Twitter to distance himself from the scandal.

“Just to say I’m very much looking forward to hosting my radio show on Monday,” he wrote.

“Whoever the ‘BBC Presenter’ in the news is, I have the same message for you as Rylan did earlier: it certainly ain’t me.”

BBC’s Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker said he had nothing to do with the scandal in a straightforward Twitter statement.

Radio star Nicky Campbell was forced to take to Twitter after being falsely accused of being connected to the scandal.

“I think it’s important to take a stand,” he wrote.

“There are just too many of these people on social media. Thanks for your support friends.”

Which stars have spoken out about BBC presenter scandal?

BBC presenter 'could face jail term if guilty’

Sunday 9 July 2023 17:45 , Matt Drake

A leading obscenity lawyer has claimed the accused BBC presenter could face a sentence of 26 weeks if found guilty.

Myles Jackman said the sentence could increase substantially if they are found to have shared the images, The Guardian reported.

Mr Jackman said: “Any child under 18 that takes a photo of themselves is manufacturing child pornography, they are in possession of it, and they have distributed it.

“Anyone soliciting photographs from someone under 18 has committed a serious raft of offences.”

BBC asks former detective to investigate claims

Sunday 9 July 2023 17:12 , Matt Drake

The BBC has reportedly hired a former detective who specialises in whistleblowing, sexual assault and fraud.

Jeff Brown has led the BBC's corporate investigations team for more than six years.

The family of the alleged victim is said to have met Mr Brown on Friday, The Telegraph reported.

He worked for the Metropolitan Police Service for almost 13 years.

After leaving the Met, Mr Brown spent almost five years working in Canada investigating human trafficking cases in the Halton Regional Police Service in Ontario.

BBC 'in touch with police' following allegations

Sunday 9 July 2023 17:02 , Matt Drake

The corporation has been in touch with the police following claims one of its presenters paid £35,000 for sexually explicit photos, the BBC reported.

Following the claims that a presenter paid a teenager for the pictures, the BBC said it is working as fast as possible "to establish the facts in order to properly inform appropriate next steps".

Adding: "The BBC first became aware of a complaint in May.

"New allegations were put to us on Thursday of a different nature and in addition to our own enquiries we have also been in touch with external authorities, in line with our protocols."

Top BBC presenter ‘stripped to underwear in video call with teen'

Sunday 9 July 2023 16:32 , Matt Drake

The BBC presenter’s suspension comes after the unnamed star was accused of stripping to his underwear while on a video call, the mother of the alleged victim claimed.

It is alleged that the TV star paid more than £35,000 in exchange for sexual images and that the teenager used the money to fund a cocaine addiction, which “destroyed” their life.

The mother described how her child, who was said to be 17 when the payments began, turned from a “happy-go-lucky youngster” to a “ghost-like crack addict” in three years.

Neither the presenter nor the teenager has been identified. It was confirmed today that a male BBC presenter has been taken off the air following the allegations.

The mother, who said she wanted no payment for the story, complained to the BBC in May and begged them to make the presenter “stop sending the cash”, according to The Sun.

Top BBC presenter ‘stripped to underwear in video call with teen’

‘I am wholly condemning the unsubstantiated rumours'

Sunday 9 July 2023 15:46 , Katy Clifton

Mr Davie added: “By law, individuals are entitled to a reasonable expectation of privacy, which is making this situation more complex. I also want to be very clear that I am wholly condemning the unsubstantiated rumours being made on the internet about some of our presenting talent.

“We are in contact with the family referenced in the media reports. I want to assure you that we are working rapidly to establish the facts and to ensure that these matters are handled fairly and with care, including by external authorities where appropriate.”

Tim Davie condemns baseless online rumours

Sunday 9 July 2023 15:45 , Katy Clifton

The BBC’s Director-General Tim Davie said he is “wholly condemning the unsubstantiated rumours being made on the internet about some of our presenting talent”.

In a note sent to staff, Mr Davie said the corporation takes “all such allegations incredibly seriously”.

The note added: “The BBC became aware of a complaint in May; the BBC investigations team have been looking into this since it was raised and have been actively following up.

“New allegations, of a different nature, were put to us on Thursday, and in addition to our own enquiries we have also been in touch with external authorities, in line with our protocols.

“I can also confirm that we have suspended a member of staff.”

BBC statement in full

Sunday 9 July 2023 15:15 , Katy Clifton

A BBC spokesperson said: “The BBC first became aware of a complaint in May.

“New allegations were put to us on Thursday of a different nature and in addition to our own inquiries we have also been in touch with external authorities, in line with our protocols.

“We can also confirm a male member of staff has been suspended.

“We expect to be in a position to provide a further update in the coming days as the process continues.

“The BBC board will continue to be kept up to date.

“The BBC takes any allegations seriously and we have robust internal processes in place to proactively deal with such allegations.

“This is a complex and fast-moving set of circumstances and the BBC is working as quickly as possible to establish the facts in order to properly inform appropriate next steps.

“It is important that these matters are handled fairly and with care.

“We have been clear that if – at any point – new information comes to light or is provided to us, this will be acted upon appropriately and actively followed up.”

Breaking: BBC presenter suspended

Sunday 9 July 2023 15:14 , Katy Clifton

The BBC has just confirmed a male member of staff has been suspended following allegations an unnamed BBC presenter paid a teenager for sexually explicit images.

We’ll bring you more on this breaking story as we get it.

What are the allegations against the unnamed BBC presenter?

Sunday 9 July 2023 14:13 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

A BBC presenter has been accused of paying a teenager over £35,000 in exchange for sexual photos.

The mother of the victim claimed the money was used to fund a “cocaine addiction” which “destroyed” her child’s life.

Neither the presenter nor the victim have been identified.

BBC is investigating allegations ‘swiftly and sensitively'

Sunday 9 July 2023 13:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The culture secretary said she had been assured the BBC is investigating allegations against one of its presenters “swiftly and sensitively”.

In a tweet after a phone call with BBC director-general Tim Davie on Sunday, Lucy Frazer said: “I have spoken to BBC Director General Tim Davie about the deeply concerning allegations involving one of its presenters.

“He has assured me the BBC are investigating swiftly and sensitively.

“Given the nature of the allegations it is important that the BBC is now given the space to conduct its investigation, establish the facts and take appropriate action. I will be kept updated.”

BBC responds to allegation

Sunday 9 July 2023 13:10 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

In response to the report, a BBC spokesperson said on Saturday: “We treat any allegations very seriously and we have processes in place to proactively deal with them.

“As part of that, if we receive information that requires further investigation or examination we will take steps to do this.

“That includes actively attempting to speak to those who have contacted us in order to seek further detail and understanding of the situation.

“If we get no reply to our attempts or receive no further contact, that can limit our ability to progress things but it does not mean our enquiries stop.

“If, at any point, new information comes to light or is provided – including via newspapers – this will be acted upon appropriately, in line with internal processes.”

Media lawyers says BBC handling of complaint has been a ‘shambles'

Sunday 9 July 2023 12:45 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Media lawyer Mark Stephens said the BBC handling of the complaint had been a “shambles”, arguing it had “really dropped the ball”.

“And it does seem that they’ve also caused this to escalate, because it was the frustration with the BBC not acting that led to the family to go to the Sun newspaper,” he told Times Radio.

“And that I think is reckless, because of course what has happened is we’ve seen all this conjecture on social media.”

Culture secretary to hold urgent talks with BBC director

Sunday 9 July 2023 12:25 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer will hold urgent talks with BBC director-general Tim Davie over “deeply concerning” allegations that an unnamed presenter at the corporation paid a teenager for sexually explicit images.

Senior officials have told the broadcaster that the allegations reported by The Sun newspaper must be investigated “urgently and sensitively”, with the Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) kept updated.

Ms Frazer and Mr Davie will have a phone call on Sunday as the BBC comes under pressure over its handling of the complaint.

A DCMS spokeswoman said: “These allegations are deeply concerning.

“As a public service broadcaster in receipt of public funding, senior officials have stressed to the BBC that the allegations must be investigated urgently and sensitively, with the department kept informed.

“The Culture Secretary will be speaking to Tim Davie later today.”

Former Tory leader says BBC is in ‘a mess'

Sunday 9 July 2023 11:56 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith has said the BBC is in a mess and should have immediately suspended the presenter at the centre of the sex scandal.

He said it is clear the corporation has “tried to play this down from the beginning” only for the scandal to “explode”.

“The BBC should act like everybody else does and immediately suspend somebody pending the investigation,” Sir Iain said.

He told GB News: “That way it’s clear and then you can get on with it. At this stage, to try and do it quietly and behind the scenes - it never works because somebody has blown the gaff and they’re in trouble now.

“I don’t quite know what they’re doing. It’s a mess. Clearly if you read the newspaper reports, you can see that the BBC has tried to play this down from the beginning. And it has not worked, because it has exploded.

“They didn’t have any plan. Any inquiries that are taking place seem to be a mess. And that’s led to a whole series of reputational damage across the newspapers to the BBC.”

BBC urged to ‘act swiftly’ over allegation

Sunday 9 July 2023 10:43 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The BBC has been urged to act “very swiftly” to deal with the claims centring on an unnamed presenter alleged to have paid a teenager for sexually explicit images.

Government minister Victoria Atkins described the claims reported by the Sun as “very, very serious” as questions over the broadcaster’s handling of the situation were raised.

Ms Atkins, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, told Sky’s Sophy Ridge on Sunday: “These are very, very serious allegations and the BBC have said they have processes in place.

“But as public attention and concern grows the BBC is going to have to act very swiftly to deal with these allegations and to set out what they are doing to investigate them.”

Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves urged the broadcasters to “speed up their processes” in investigating such allegations.

The Labour MP told the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg: “I do feel that I often come on this programme and we do start with another crisis at the BBC.

What are the allegations against the BBC presenter?

Sunday 9 July 2023 10:17 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The BBC presenter has been accused of paying a teenager over £35,000 in exchange for sexual photos.

The mother of the victim claimed the money was used to fund a “cocaine addiction” which “destroyed” her child’s life.

Neither the presenter nor the victim have been identified.

Stars speak out ‘after top presenter paid teen for explicit photos’

Sunday 9 July 2023 09:51 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Several high profile figures have spoken out about the allegations to deny any involvement.

Writing on Twitter, TV presenter Rylan Clark said: “Not sure why my names floating about but re that story in the sun- that ain’t me babe. I’m Currently filming a show in Italy for the bbc, so take my name out ya mouths.”

Shortly afterwards, radio star Jeremy Vine also responded to the story, telling his Twitter followers: “It certainly ain’t me”.

Gary Lineker tweeted: “Hate to disappoint the haters but it’s not me.”

Nicky Campbell appeared to suggest he had contacted police about being mentioned in connection with the story.

BBC has ‘very serious questions’ to answer over presenter in sexual image scandal

Sunday 9 July 2023 09:31 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Senior MPs are calling for the BBC to investigate its handling of allegations that a star presenter paid a teenager tens of thousands of pounds for explicit pictures, saying the corporation has “very serious questions” to answer.

Labour’s shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves said the allegations are “deeply concerning” and called for the BBC to “get a grip”.

And government minister Victoria Atkins called on the BBC to “act swiftly” to deal with the allegations.

“These are very serious allegations and I can quite understand the public’s concern about them,” she added.

BBC under fire over star ‘paying teen for sexual images’ - latest

BBC presenter should not stay on job under investigation, shadow chancellor says

Sunday 9 July 2023 08:57 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The BBC presenter at the centre of claims he paid a teenager for explicit pictures should not stay in his job while an investigation is carried out, Rachel Reeves has said.

The shadow chancellor told the Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme on Sky News the allegations are “deeply concerning”.

Ms Reeves said: “The idea that some presenters think that they act with impunity and they can get away with these sorts of things, it does call into question the ethics, the investigations, how long these things take.

“The BBC, but also other broadcasters, do need to get a grip because we seem to lurch from one scandal to another and more needs to be done.”

She added: “When serious allegations are made like this I don’t think it is right that people stay in those jobs while those very serious investigations go on.”

BBC responds to allegation

Sunday 9 July 2023 07:49 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

In response to the report, a BBC spokesperson said: “We treat any allegations very seriously and we have processes in place to proactively deal with them.

“As part of that, if we receive information that requires further investigation or examination we will take steps to do this.

“That includes actively attempting to speak to those who have contacted us in order to seek further detail and understanding of the situation.

“If we get no reply to our attempts or receive no further contact, that can limit our ability to progress things but it does not mean our enquiries stop.

“If, at any point, new information comes to light or is provided – including via newspapers – this will be acted upon appropriately, in line with internal processes.”

Mother of victim blames BBC presenter for turning child into ‘ghost-like crack addict’

Sunday 9 July 2023 07:21 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Speaking about the allegations, the mother of the victim told The Sun how her child, now 20, had gone from a “happy-go-lucky youngster to a ghost-like crack addict” in three years.

She said: “When I see him on telly, I feel sick.

“I blame this BBC man for destroying my child’s life.

“Taking my child’s innocence and handing over the money for crack cocaine that could kill my child.”

‘That ain’t me’: Rylan Clark and Jeremy Vine respond to BBC presenter scandal

Sunday 9 July 2023 07:18 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

TV presenter Rylan Clark has addressed baseless speculation surrounding the unnamed BBC presenter who has been accused of paying a teenager for explicit photos.

The unknown presenter is reportedly a BBC star who has been taken off air since the allegation emerged.

After the story was published, Mr Clark said: “Not sure why my names floating about but re that story in the sun- that ain’t me babe. I’m Currently filming a show in Italy for the bbc, so take my name out ya mouths.”

Read more here:

‘That ain’t me’: Rylan Clark and Jeremy Vine respond to BBC presenter scandal

Top BBC presenter ‘stripped to underwear in video call with teen he paid for explicit pictures’

Sunday 9 July 2023 07:15 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

A top BBC presenter accused of paying a teenager thousands of pounds for explicit pictures stripped to his underwear while on a video call, the mother of the alleged victim has claimed.

It is alleged that the TV star paid more than £35,000 in exchange for sexual images and that the teenager used the money to fund a cocaine addiction, which “destroyed” their life.

The mother described how her child, who was said to be 17 when the payments began, turned from a “happy-go-lucky youngster” to a “ghost-like crack addict” in three years.

Neither the presenter nor the teenager has been identified. The presenter has reportedly been taken off air over the claims.

Matt Drake reports:

Top BBC presenter ‘stripped to underwear in video call with teen’