BBC Return For Blackburn

Tony Blackburn is to return to BBC and will present an hour-long programme on Radio 2, it has been confirmed.

17:22 20 October 2016

Tony Blackburn is to return to BBC in January, BBC has confirmed. The 73-year-old will present an hour-long programme on Radio 2 on Friday evenings.

 

In February, the broadcaster was taken off air because he had failed to fully co-operate with the Jimmy Savile inquiry, director general Tony Hall has confirmed.

 

In a statement, Blackburn said: "I do not seek to criticise the BBC for decisions it has made in the past.

 

"I have had a difficult year personally, but I'm pleased to be returning to the BBC and can't wait to get behind the mic again."

 

A spokesperson for the BBC said: "The BBC stands by the findings of Dame Janet Smith and the decision it made to take Tony Blackburn off air at the start of this year based on Dame Janet's preference for the documentary evidence relating to meetings that took place over Tony Blackburn's statements."

 

Following the confirmation of his return to Radio 2, Blackburn took to Twitter and wrote: “Thank you for all your lovely messages.”