Starr: Sir Jimmy is 'despicable'

Comedian Freddie Starr has branded Sir Jimmy Savile "despicable" and "disgusting" as he urged police to interview him so he can clear his name.

The 69-year-old and fiancee Sophie Lea, 34, presented a united front as they appeared on ITV's This Morning to refute claims that Starr was involved in groping a teenager.

One of Sir Jimmy's accusers has alleged Starr touched her when she was just 14 when they were both in a BBC dressing room.

Starr was named by Karin Ward who waived her right to anonymity to speak out about her claims of sexual abuse at the hands of Sir Jimmy. She said at one stage she was in the Top Of The Pops host's dressing room and claimed Starr, who was also present, "groped" her.

The comedian initially denied even being at a recording of a show starring Sir Jimmy but footage screened on Channel 4 News later showed he was on the Clunk Click programme and was sitting only inches away from Ms Ward.

He now admits that he made a mistake because he appeared in "that many shows" but insisted he would "never, ever, ever touch an underage girl" and had never allowed people in his dressing room.

Asked about Sir Jimmy, he said: "I think he's abused his position. Despicable. There's no words to say about what that man's done and the way he conducted himself. That man's disgusting."

He urged police to contact him over what he described as "false accusations", adding: "I want to be questioned by the police. I want it badly."

The comedian also said he was suffering from palpitations as a result of the media storm and is having to go for a check-up at hospital.

Ms Lea said the 69-year-old has "never, ever" taken advantage of her and that their age difference should not have anything to do with the claims.