Convicted sex offender to front BBC youth talent show, says DUP MP

Democratic Unionist Ian Paisley asked ministers if they had questioned corporation bosses about their logic for the appointment, noting the broadcaster had vowed to learn “from the mistakes of the past”.

Culture Secretary John Whittingdale advised the North Antrim MP to raise any concerns directly with the BBC.

Speaking in the Commons, Mr Paisley - the DUP’s culture, media, and sport spokesman - told Mr Whittingdale: “The BBC promised us that they were going to learn from the mistakes of the past.

“Have you had any opportunity to assess or question the logic of those BBC bosses who have decided to appoint a recently released from jail sex offender to front a prime-time youth talent show on the BBC?

“What were they thinking in that appointment?”

Mr Whittingdale replied: “I hear what you say.

“It is of course a matter of editorial judgment for the BBC but obviously the BBC has a duty to set an example and behave responsibly and I would simply say that I’m sure that the senior editorial management of the BBC will have heard what you have said, and I’d encourage you - if you have concerns - to express them directly to the BBC.”