The BBC star accused of paying a teenager more than £35,000 for sexually explicit photos is reportedly "extremely angry" over the claims, according to a former colleague.
The controversy at the Beeb has dominated the headlines and social media since reports first emerged on Friday (July 7).
In less than a week, several BBC stars have denied being the unnamed male presenter in question including Gary Lineker and Rylan Clark.
READ MORE: BBC presenter 'sent abusive and menacing' messages to another young person
The presenter is said to be "extremely angry" over the allegations, former BBC star Jon Sopel has said.
Speaking on The News Agents, Jon said: “A number of people have been in touch with the presenter to say they feel righteous fury over the way The Sun has covered this and it is fair to say that the presenter at the heart of this is also extremely angry over a lot of The Sun coverage and is convinced they're trying to dig and find new dirt to harm this particular person's reputation.
"The person at the centre of this – you can't imagine what a maelstrom it must be – is getting some support from across the world of broadcast but from outside that as well.”
The male star was suspended by the BBC on Sunday (July 9) and is accused of allegedly sending money to a teenager over a three-year period, starting when the young person was 17.
On Monday (July 10), BBC News revealed the young person – now 20 – was disputing the claims made by their mother in The Sun.
They claimed that "nothing inappropriate or unlawful has taken place.”
It comes after it was reported the unnamed BBC presenter has been accused of breaking lockdown laws in order to meet a young stranger from a dating site.
The BBC presenter in question is alleged to have 'ignored strict Covid rules' throughout the third lockdown in order to meet the youngster.
A source told The Sun: "The BBC were briefing the nation on the rules – when their star who was part of the institution was quite happy to break them.”
It is understood the household name allegedly sent the person on a dating app cash and asked for a photograph according to the outlet.
The TV star then revealed their identity to the young adult and asked to keep their relationship secret.
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