Hampshire star says he will be exonerated over sex assault claims (From Daily Echo)

Hampshire star Jim Davidson says he will be exonerated over sex assault claims

11:38am Thursday 10th January 2013 in News

Comic Jim Davidson has said he will be "completely exonerated" by a police investigation into allegations he sexually assaulted two women.

The 59-year-old, who lives in Stockbridge, was arrested at Heathrow Airport after flying back to the UK to take part in Celebrity Big Brother.

He said he was "totally gobsmacked" by what had happened.

He was quoted in The Sun as having told a friend he was "mystified" by the allegations. The Londoner said: "It's not in my make-up to do what I've been accused of."

He added: "I know at the end of this I will be completely exonerated. I have done nothing wrong."

The former Generation Game host was questioned by detectives investigating Jimmy Savile's decades long campaign of sexual abuse and has been bailed until March, pending further inquiries. His solicitor said previously the allegations date back approximately 25 years.

Scotland Yard is leading a national investigation into allegations against disgraced television presenter Savile and a number of other high-profile figures. Detectives have separated the inquiry into three strands: claims against Savile, those involving Savile and others, and those involving others.

So far, officers have questioned people including former pop star Gary Glitter, comedian Freddie Starr and PR guru Max Clifford.

Last month, police said a total of 31 allegations of rape had been made against former Top Of The Pops presenter Savile.

Some 589 people have come forward with information relating to the scandal, with a total of 450 complaints against the BBC presenter and DJ, mainly alleging sexual abuse.

Detectives have recorded 199 crimes in 17 force areas in which Savile is a suspect.