Davidson not on Big Brother

Jim Davidson is not expected to appear as a contestant in the Celebrity Big Brother house following his arrest over allegations of sexual offences.

The comedian is not included in a list of the featuring celebrities circulated to the media ahead of tonight's series-opening show. The list of names cannot be reported until the show has aired.

Davidson was yesterday questioned by detectives over the allegations, which he denies.

Asked about a report that Jim Davidson has been replaced on Celebrity Big Brother, which is to start this evening, a Channel 5 spokesman said:

"We don't comment on line-up rumours. We never talk about the speculation."

The Daily Star Sunday TV reporter Edward Gleave has tweeted that Jim Davidson has been replaced in tonight's Celebrity Big Brother:

Jim Davidson was reportedly arrested at Heathrow Airport as he returned to the UK to appear as a contestant on Celebrity Big Brother.

Channel 5 would not comment on his inclusion in the show, which returns to screens tomorrow evening. Programme chiefs are now believed to be making last-minute changes to the line-up.

Other figures who are said to be appearing include Frankie Dettori, X Factor star Rylan Clark and the model and actress Paula Hamilton.

Jim Davidson's solicitor Henri Brandman has said that two women have made allegations against his client. He released the following statement:

The comedian Jim Davidson, who was arrested by detectives investigating the Jimmy Savile sex abuse scandal, "vigorously denies" the allegations against him, his solicitor said in a statement today.

ITV News filmed police searching a property in Hampshire that is believed to belong to the comedian Jim Davidson.