'I won't sit back and have my name attached to something that's nothing to do with me'

A HOST of the BBC's biggest stars have publicly denied being the presenter involved in the explicit pictures allegations.

- Giles Sheldrick

Top talent acted swiftly over the weekend to disassociate themselves with claims that a big-name star paid a teenager £35,000 for the images.

The allegations have sparked inevitable finger pointing on social media as a number of high-profile presenters were accused, despite the identity of the alleged offender being unknown publicly.

The witch-hunt led to major name broadcasters including Gary Lineker, Jeremy Vine, Nicky Campbell and Rylan Clark responding and even threatening to bring legal action for defamation against those throwing claims around on the internet.

The "household name" presenter has been taken off air after the allegations surfaced, prompting nationwide guessing game.

BBC Radio 2 host Rylan, 34, was forced to respond on Twitter yesterday, writing: "I won't sit back and have my name attached to something that has nothing to do with me.

I responded originally because my name among others was trending on social media yesterday morning."

BBC veteran Nicky, 62, who has said he was the victim of abuse at a private school in the 1970s and witnessed sexual and physical abuse, has reported accusatory tweets to the Met Police. He has shared screenshots taken on Twitter, saying it was "important to take a stand".

Posting online, BBC Radio 2 host Jeremy, 58, said: "Just to say I'm very much looking forward to hosting my radio show today.

"Whoever the 'BBC Presenter' in the news is, I have the same message for you as Rylan did earlier - it certainly ain't me."

Former footballer Gary, 62, sarcastically apologised to his critics, saying: "Hate to disappoint the haters, but it's not me."