BBC presenter allegations: stars forced to deny they are the unnamed presenter at heart of scandal

It is “deeply unfair” BBC presenters are being forced to say they are not the man at the centre of claims a teenager was allegedly paid for explicit pictures, SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has said.

The broadcaster has been caught up in a scandal this weekend after The Sun reported that a unnamed presenter had been pulled from the air amid allegations he paid a 17-year-old £35,000 for explicit photos. The Beeb have been urged to take "swift action" following the claims.

Speaking to the Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme on Sky News, Mr Flynn said the BBC has a responsibility to be transparent, adding: “I think that as a public sector broadcaster, they perhaps have a duty to the public to make clear that where someone has acted inappropriately, which is the suggestion here, they have firstly taken action and, if they’ve not taken action, that it’s very clear as to why that is.”

He added: “I think it’s ridiculous that you have to see the likes of Gary Lineker tweeting that he’s not the person involved here. For them as individuals that is deeply unfair, particularly given the seriousness of the issue.”

Every star that has denied being unnamed presenter

Gary Lineker

A number of BBC stars publicly said they were not the presenter at the centre of the allegations, amid heavy speculation about their identity on social media.

Match of the Day host, Gary Lineker tweeted: “Hate to disappoint the haters but it’s not me.”

Rylan Clark

The former Celebrity Big Brother winner has also denied being the unnamed presenter. He wote: “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 

Jeremy Vine 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

Nicky Campbell suggested he had contacted police about being 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.”

He wrote: “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.”

Dan Walker

He tweeted on Sunday (9 July) morning: "Very odd to see people still naming BBC presenters who they think are involved in the latest scandal.

"If you casually throw out the name on here then it could cost you 1000s of pounds. #Defemation"

Nihal Arthanayake

The BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Nihal Arthanayake also took to Twitter to dispel rumours that he was the presenter in question having not appeared in his regular role.

He tweeted: "I’m off air because of the tennis. Like I am every year. Back on air 17th July."

Jon Kay

BBC Breakfast presenter Jon Kay also felt the need to explain his absence to viewers before any rumours could form.

He tweeted: "Enjoying some extra sleep and long-planned annual leave with the family, so no need to set my alarm clock tomorrow morning. Back on the red sofa with my BBC Breakfast family in Salford in two weeks’ time."