Aled Jones taken off air over sexual harassment claims
FORMER boy soprano Aled Jones will not be presenting the BBC’s Songs of Praise show while allegations of historic sexual harassment are investigated.
The married father of two, who had a Christmas hit with Walking In The Air in 1985, said he was ‘deeply sorry’ for ‘occasionally acting like a juvenile’ but denied any ‘inappropriate contact’.
The claims, dating back more than a decade, allegedly relate to inappropriate messages sent by Mr Jones to a colleague.
‘There is an allegation that inappropriate messages and contact with a female member of staff took place,’ a source told The Sun.
‘He’s been told by the BBC about the complaint, and after it came to light he has been taken off air.’
A spokesman for the 46-year-old said that while the matter does not relate to any broadcast work, he had voluntarily agreed not to appear on the BBC while it is investigated.
In a statement, the spokesman added: ‘Whilst he accepts that his behaviour over a decade ago was occasionally juvenile, as was that of others, he never intended to harass or distress and he strongly denies any inappropriate contact.
‘He is, however, deeply sorry for any upset caused and hopes this matter is resolved soon.’
It is believed to be one of 25 live cases of alleged sexual harassment highlighted by BBC deputy director-general Anne Bulford.
Former choirboy Jones has not been on the air on the BBC since last month when he appeared on his BBC Radio Wales show.
The previous week he hosted Songs Of Praise from the Welsh town of Pontypridd but has not presented it since.
Jones presented his regular UK Sunday morning slot with Classic FM yesterday, but it was unclear whether it was live. He has previously admitted pre-recording around one show a month.
The Welsh singer received an MBE in 2013 for his services to music and broadcasting.
The BBC declined to comment.