Kelly 'set for return to Stars in Their Eyes'

Television presenter Matthew Kelly can now resume his career as host of Stars In Their Eyes after child sex abuse allegations were dropped.

ITV bosses pledged the star their full support – even after he received a police caution for possession of cocaine.

Kelly, 52, was replaced as presenter of three Stars In Their Eyes celebrity specials shortly after the allegations were made, with Davina McCall taking his place.

But ITV and programme makers Granada said they would welcome him back for the forthcoming series.

In a joint statement, they said: “Matthew has always protested his innocence and we gave him our full support in this matter. We are delighted he has now been fully vindicated.

“He took time out from working for Granada on the three Stars In Their Eyes specials because of this unfounded allegation. Now that this matter has been resolved, we look forward to him returning in the forthcoming series of Stars In Their Eyes.”

Regarding the cocaine, which police found during a search of Kelly’s London flat, a Granada spokesman said: “We have spoken to Matthew about the caution he has received relating to drugs.

“This will have no bearing on his future employment with Granada.”

Other stars who have been caught taking drugs have not received such public backing from TV bosses.

Blue Peter presenter Richard Bacon was sacked by the BBC after it was revealed he had snorted cocaine in 1988.

Bacon’s dismissal was inevitable because he presented a children’s show but he continued to work in TV and recently returned to the BBC fronting Top Of The Pops.

More recently, Angus Deayton was axed as host of Have I Got News For You after tabloid revelations about his use of cocaine and prostitutes.

ITV continued to keep faith with Kelly while the police investigation was ongoing, screening his appearance on holiday programme Wish You Were Here? last month when many observers thought it might be shelved.

Kelly’s showbusiness friends also pledged their public support for the presenter.

Julie Walters, Alan Rickman and Pete Postlethwaite were among the famous names who signed an open letter giving him their backing.

Other signatories included Les Dennis and his estranged wife Amanda Holden, playwright Willy Russell, Boys From The Blackstuff creator Alan Bleadale and Coronation Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh.

In the letter they spoke of their “pride and pleasure in knowing and working with this gentle and caring man”.

Kelly will not return as host of the Kids Stars In Their Eyes shows but ITV and Granada stressed that he had made that decision before the allegations were made.