BBC introduces new anti-grooming guidelines warning stars not to abuse their ‘celebrity status’

NEW BBC anti-grooming guidelines warn stars not to abuse their “celebrity status”.

They spell out how to report both “potential grooming” and “rumours or evidence of a potential relationship involving an imbalance of power”.

PA

BBC chiefs are set to introduce new anti-grooming guidelines, pictured BBC boss Tim Davie[/caption]

The move comes in the wake of the Huw Edwards scandal, exposed by The Sun.

It saw the presenter resign on medical grounds a year after being accused of paying £35,000 to someone who sent him explicit pictures.

Meanwhile director general Tim Davie has faced criticism over his handling of various complaints.

The update on personal relationships while at work tells staff not to “groom others (inside and outside the BBC) with the intention of personal favours, relationships or harm to others”.

Nor should they use their “BBC profile for personal gain”.

The BBC is currently two years into a £3million probe into alleged sexual misconduct involving the Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood.

And in November complaints were taken to bosses over the conduct of Russell Brand.

Both he and Westwood strenuously deny the allegations.