Davidson 'vigorously denies' claims

Comedian Jim Davidson "vigorously denies" allegations made against him by two women, his solicitor has said in a statement.

The former Generation Game and Big Break host was questioned by detectives investigating the Jimmy Savile sex abuse scandal over allegations dating back 25 years, said his solicitor Henri Brandman.

Scotland Yard said earlier that a 59-year-old was held in west London at around noon on Wednesday after a 53-year-old had been arrested in Hampshire at around 8am, both on suspicion of sexual offences linked to Operation Yewtree.

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."

The allegations are not directly linked to Savile, the Metropolitan Police said.

Davidson, 59, was reportedly arrested at Heathrow Airport as he returned to the UK to be a contestant on Channel 5's Celebrity Big Brother.

The station would not comment on his inclusion, but he had been preparing to take part in the show, which returns to screens on Thursday evening.

He will now no longer be taking part and programme chiefs are believed to be rejigging the line-up at the last moment.

Scotland Yard later said both men had been released on bail until March pending further inquiries.