Tony Blackburn set to return to Radio 2

Tony Blackburn is set to return to Radio 2 next year, the BBC has announced.

The veteran DJ was "sacked" by the corporation shortly after giving evidence to a sex abuse review into Jimmy Savile.

Blackburn later spoke out saying it stemmed from allegations made by the mother of an underage girl in 1971.

In diary entries, 15-year-old Claire McAlpine claimed she had been seduced by Blackburn and other celebrities.

She later killed herself.

Blackburn, 73, strenuously denied suggestions he "seduced" the girl after inviting her back to his flat following a recording of Top Of The Pops.

He claimed he had been made a "scapegoat" in the review into alleged sex abuse at the BBC during that time.

The BBC said it stood by the findings of the review and the decision to take Blackburn off air at the start of this year.

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."