Hardeep Singh Kohli suspended from One Show after 'overstepping' mark

BBC presenter Hardeep Singh Kohli was suspended from the One Show after "stepping over the mark" with a female researcher, it was revealed today.

He has been removed from the weekday evening programme for six months after she lodged a complaint about his behaviour two months ago.

Inappropriate behaviour: Hardeep Singh Kohli

Kohli, 39, said he had apologised "unreservedly" for his behaviour after being hauled before bosses.

He said: "Nobody has accused me of sexual harassment. I recognise I over stepped the mark and have apologised unreservedly."

A BBC spokeswoman said: "Producers of The One Show received a complaint regarding Hardeep's behaviour towards a production colleague.
"She made no formal complaint and has acknowledged that One Show management took the issue extremely seriously.

"He was reprimanded and immediately apologised. He agreed to take some time away from the show to reflect on his behaviour. This leave of absence has been agreed to be six months."

Kohli, a Glasgow-born father-of-two, worked as a roving reporter for the show, hosted by Adrian Chiles and Christine Bleakley.

He has appeared in a number of other programmes, most recently Famous, Rich and Homeless, since being taken on as a trainee for the corporation in Scotland.

He previously directed the children's TV programme It'll Never Work.

Kohli's ban only applies to The One Show and not other BBC programmes, the corporation said.

It is the latest scandal to hit the One Show. In February, Carol Thatcher was fired after allegedly referring to a tennis player as a "Golliwog" off-air.