Jim Davidson Misses Celebrity Big Brother

Jim Davidson, who was arrested over claims of sexual offences, is not appearing in the new series of Celebrity Big Brother.

The comedian had been tipped to be one of the contestants in the reality TV show, which started on Thursday night.

Davidson, who was detained on Wednesday by police investigating the Jimmy Savile abuse scandal, "vigorously denies" the claims against him.

Allegations dating back 25 years have been made by two women, according to the comedian's lawyer Henri Brandman.

Davidson, 59, was one of two men arrested on suspicion of sexual offences as part of Operation Yewtree.

Both individuals fall under the strand of the investigation termed 'others' and the Metropolitan Police said the allegations are not linked to Savile.

Officers said a 53-year-old was held in Hampshire and a 59-year-old in west London.

Both men were later released on bail until March pending further inquiries.

Davidson had reportedly been detained at Heathrow Airport as he returned to the UK to be a contestant on Channel 5's Celebrity Big Brother.

In a statement, Mr Brandman said: "Two women have made allegations in respect of Jim that date back approximately 25 years.

"The complainants were then in their mid 20s. Jim vigorously denies the allegations. He answered police questions as fully as he was able after this passage of time.

"He has not been charged with any offence. Neither he nor I will be making any further comment."

Scotland Yard is leading a nationwide investigation into allegations against disgraced television presenter Savile and a number of other high profile figures.

They have separated the inquiry into three strands: claims against Savile, those involving Savile and others, and those involving others.