There are calls for the BBC to act swiftly in their investigation of a presenter’s inappropriate relationship with a minor. 

Media law consultant Ian Bloom said “the pressure is on the BBC” to complete its investigation regarding an unnamed presenter paying a teenager for explicit images.

“The rumour mill on the internet is in overdrive and every possible presenter has been suggested,” he said. 

“That's intolerable for all of them who are not the [presenter] in question.” 

Presenters such as Nicky Campbell, Gary Lineker and Rylan Clark have denied any involvement with the investigation after being accused online by social media users. 

2J4YHHF 16 April 2022 - Manchester City v Liverpool - Emirates FA Cup - Semi Final - Wembley Stadium
TV football presenter and pundit Gary Lineker during FA Cup Semi-Final at Wembley.
Picture Credit : © Mark Pain / Alamy Live News

Media law barrister Christina Michalos said people should be careful when speculating who the unnamed presenter is. 

“You are putting that person’s reputation completely at stake,” she said. “And all of the people who have been identified can sue anybody - if it's not them - for defamation.” 

Yesterday The Sun reported the BBC is investigating an unnamed presenter who allegedly paid a teenager £35,000 for explicit pictures over five years. 

The young person's mother claims she saw the high-profile star in his underwear while involved in a video chat with her child. 

'Act swiftly'

The presenter was taken off the air as the BBC said it is treating the allegations “very seriously” and it intends to “proactively deal with them”. 

Culture Secretary Lucy Fraiser said she has spoken to the BBC Director General and has been assured the Corporation will complete their investigation. 

Treasury minister Victoria Atkins said the BBC must “act swiftly”. 

“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,” she said.