Rylan Clark denies rumours he is the BBC presenter accused of paying for explicit photos

Ellen Fitzpatrick

Rylan Clark has denied rumours that he is the BBC presenter who was accused of paying a teen for sexually explicit photos.

A “well-known” BBC presenter has been taken off air after they were accused of paying a minor for sexually explicit photos.

The presenter is reportedly a “household name” but their identity has not been released as the investigation is ongoing.

The Sun claims the male presenter paid a minor £35,000 for explicit photos. The BBC is reportedly taking the allegations extremely seriously and has launched an investigation into the claims.

The teenager, who is now 20, was 17 at the time of the alleged incident.

A number of well known presenters have since issued statements to deny claims that they are the person in question, with Rylan being one.

Taking to Twitter, he wrote: “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.”

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 pic.twitter.com/6lZo45U6Pe

— R Y L A N (@Rylan) July 8, 2023

Gary Lineker also denied the claims, saying: “Hate to disappoint the haters but it’s not me.”

While BBC Radio 2 host Jeremy Vine added: “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.”

The victim’s family made a complaint to the BBC on May 19th and the broadcaster took the presenter off air.

The BBC issued a statement this morning:

“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.”

The child, who is now aged 20, reportedly used the money to buy cocaine.

His mother said their drug addiction has ruined their life.

“All I want is for this man to stop paying my child for sexual pictures and stop him funding my child’s drug habit,” she told The Sun.