Al Porter will be “standing aside” from his Christmas panto role

He also resigned from Today FM on Sunday.

Al Porter will not be taking up his role in this year's Christmas panto in the Olympia Theatre. In a statement released on Monday, it was said: "Due to recent developments, Al Porter is standing aside from his role in this year’s Pantomime Polly and the Beanstalk at the Olympia Theatre. "A replacement star will be announced shortly." Porter also resigned from Today FM with immediate effect on Sunday following accusations levelled against him in the media and on social media. In a statement released on social media on Sunday evening, Porter stated that he had informed Today FM of his decision. The statement is in full below...

"I have been completely taken aback by reports in the media and on the social networks over the weekend, and by the scale and tone of the vitriol. While my conduct, which had been in keeping with my flamboyant and outrageous public persona may be regarded as offensive and unacceptable by many people, I at no time intended to upset anyone. "Up until now, I had been unaware of these complaints or the impact of my conduct and I am truly sorry for any distress I may have caused in what I had regarded as light-hearted and good-natured circumstances. "Although, on legal advice, cannot comment on specific allegations at the present time, I nonetheless sincerely apologise to anyone  I may have genuinely offended. "I am grateful to Today FM, the Olympia Panto and TV3 for the space and time I've been granted to deal with the situation. I have however come to the personal decision that I need time away from the spotlight after decades in the entertainment industry. I have informed Today FM that I am resigning from the station with immediate effect. "To my family, colleagues, friends and fans I thank you for your many, many messages of support."