Kelly makes TV comeback after child abuse claims

TV presenter Matthew Kelly is to return as host of Stars In Their Eyes for the first time since being cleared over a child abuse allegation, show bosses said yesterday.

Kelly will film three celebrity specials of the show he made his own next month and will start a new series with members of the public later in the year.

In February, the TV star was investigated and cleared over allegations that he had sexually abused a young boy in the 1970s, claims he emphatically denied throughout the police inquiry.

During the investigation he, “in the circumstances”, stepped aside from three Stars In Their Eyes celebrity specials which were hosted by Davina McCall.

But the 52-year-old is now back at the helm and a spokeswoman for programme-maker Granada said the company had always stood by its star.

“We are looking forward to working with Matthew again on the three celebrity Stars In Their Eyes,” she said.

“We are going to ensure he has a great line-up. It (the police investigation) was a terrible time for Matthew and we are just glad it is all way behind him now.”

One celebrity already lined up for one of the shows is Hollywood actress Brigette Nielsen who will appear as Madonna.

Surrey Police announced in February that they were to take no further action over the sex abuse allegations made against Kelly.

The star was arrested in January in his dressing room after appearing as Captain Hook in a pantomime in Birmingham.