The BBC suspends its employee after allegations of explicit images of an unnamed presenter

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The Culture Secretary has been told the BBC is investigating allegations that one of its stars paid a teenager for explicit photos, reports Carrie Davies on ITV News

The BBC has suspended the unnamed presenter who allegedly paid a teenager for sexually explicit images.

The BBC said in a statement that it takes “any allegations very seriously and we have strong internal procedures in place to proactively deal with such allegations.”

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

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

Met Police confirmed that they had been contacted by the BBC about the allegations, but that “no formal referral or allegation has been made”.

The statement said they received a complaint in May and new allegations of “a different nature” were sent to them on Thursday.

They added: “We can also confirm that an employee has been suspended.

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

The BBC’s director general, Tim Davie, said the company was “working quickly to establish the facts”. Credit: PA

In a note sent to staff, the BBC’s director-general, Tim Davie, said: “As well as our own inquiries, we have also been engaging with external authorities, in line with our protocols.” He also condemned “unsubstantiated rumors around the internet about some of the talent we have presented.” In the note, Mr Davey said the BBC had been in contact with “the family referred to in media reports.”

“I want to assure you that we are working quickly to establish the facts and to ensure that these matters are dealt with fairly and with care, including by external authorities where appropriate.” Neither the individual nor the teenager, who was said to have been 17 when the payments were made since The Sun first reported the story on Friday. He was wearing his underwear.

She claimed she was told it was “a picture from a video call of some sort”.

The Sun claimed the payments were made over a three-year period, and the teenager’s family lodged a complaint with the BBC on 19 May.

ITV News understands the presenter is not scheduled to go on air in the coming days.

Lucy Fraser called the allegations “extremely troubling”. Credit: PA

Earlier on Sunday, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said Culture Secretary Lucy Fraser had spoken to BBC Director-General Tim Davey about the “extremely troubling” allegations about the unnamed presenter.

Senior officials have told the broadcaster that allegations that an unnamed BBC star paid more than £35,000 to a teenager for sexual images must be investigated “urgently and sensitively”.

In a tweet after a phone call with BBC Director-General Tim Davy on Sunday, Lucy Fraser said: “I have spoken to BBC Director-General Tim Davy about extremely disturbing allegations involving one of its presenters.

He assured me that the BBC was investigating quickly and sensitively.

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

Questions are now being asked as to whether the broadcaster handled the family’s complaint appropriately.

On Saturday, amid speculation on social media, a number of BBC stars took to Twitter to say they were not the presenters at the center of The Sun’s story.

Rylan Clark tweeted: “Not sure why my name is floating around but re that story in the sun – this ain’t me babe. Im currently filming a show in Italy for the BBC so mouths take my name.”

Jeremy Vine tweeted: “Just to say I’m very much looking forward to hosting my radio show on Monday – whoever the ‘BBC Presenter’ is in the news, I have the same message that Raylan sent you earlier: It definitely isn’t me.”

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

Nicky Campbell appeared to indicate that he contacted the police about his mention in connection with the story.

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

In his tweet, he wrote, “I think it’s important to take a stand. There are way too many of these people on social media. Thank you for your supportive friends.”

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