Blackburn to return to Radio 2

Tony Blackburn, who claimed he was a “scapegoat” after being taken off air following the Dame Janet Smith review into sexual abuse at the BBC, will return to Radio 2 next year, the corporation has announced.

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.

The 73-year-old, pictured right, previously said he was made a scapegoat by the BBC and strenuously denied suggestions that he “seduced” Claire McAlpine after inviting her back to his flat following a recording of Top Of The Pops in the 1970s.

The girl later killed herself.

Blackburn, right, will present an hour-long show on Radio 2 on Fridays at 7pm, and will also return to local radio.

Blackburn, who has been one of the BBC’s best-known radio presenters, previously said he was planning to sue the BBC.