Part of Jimmy Savile probe

Jim Davidson has been arrested by police investigating historic sexual abuse allegations.

Officers from Operation Yewtree, set up in the wake of the Jimmy Savile scandal, arrested the 59-year-old comedian in west London on Wednesday. He is understood to have been detained at Heathrow after returning to the UK.

He was released on bail by the Met Police to return in March.

Mr Davidson's solicitor said his client vigorously denies the alleged crimes.

He added that the claims date back 25 years and refer to women in their twenties.

‘He answered police questions as fully as he was able,’ solicitor Henri Brandman said. ‘He has not been charged with any offence. Neither he nor I will be making any further comment.’

In October Davison, branded the Savile investigation a ‘witch hunt’, after jokingly threatening to reveal the names of pedophiles in showbusiness himself.

On his blog he wrote: ‘The Savile witch hunt is going a bit silly now. We all are starting to speculate and accuse ... even in jest. So no, I don’t know who’s next.

‘Everyone has had the nod. Everyone is an expert. Just pick someone you don’t like and say it’s them.

'As odd as he was, Savile can’t defend himself. The bloke’s dead for God’s sake. Let’s move on.’

Police on the same investigation also arrested a 53-year-old man at his home in Hampshire yesterday on suspicion of committing sexual offences.

Gary Glitter, Freddie Starr, Dave Lee Travis and PR guru Max Clifford have all prevously been arrested as part of the £2million operation.

Davidson was due to join Celebrity Big Brother tonight, but Channel Five say a replacement has now been found.

Published: 3 Jan 2013