News

A former star of Dragons' Den has been charged with child sex offences.

Doug Richard appeared as a Dragon in the first two series of the BBC programme, and was an adviser to David Cameron until three years ago.

He has been accused of three counts of sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl, and one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

The American-born businessman currently lives in Cambridge, and will appear at City of London Magistrates' Court on October 5.

The 56-year-old - who is married with three children - has strongly denied the claims.

He said in a statement: "I absolutely deny the allegations made about me. It would be inappropriate to comment further given that the police are at a very early stage of their investigation."

Richard has worked with Prime Minister David Cameron for many years, and was hired to advise on...

Actor Neil Stuke and soap star Alex Fletcher have progressed to the second round on Celebrity MasterChef. The duo knocked out Dragons' Den entrepreneur Richard Farleigh, Radio 1 DJ Nihal Arthanayake and athlete Tessa Sanderson after a series of cooking challenges, judged by hosts Greg Wallace and John Torode. In the final test, Fletcher served up a chicken pot pie with carrots and green beans, followed by apple, cinnamon and pecan nut crumble with homemade vanilla custard. Torode praised her main course, commenting: "I think that is a really comforting, really warming and it makes you feel good inside." Wallace added: "This tastes great. This is a winner." Cult actor Stuke dished up monkfish wrapped (more)...

Danielle Lloyd is among the stars taking part in the new series of Celebrity MasterChef. The 26-year-old Wag, who is expecting her first child with Jamie O'Hara later this year, has already filmed her appearance on the BBC One cookery show. 5 Live DJ Mark Chapman, TV presenter and I'm A Celebrity... star Jennie Bond, actress Tricia Penrose and former Strictly Come Dancing finalist Colin Jackson are also in the competition. Former Dragons' Den panellist Richard Farleigh, actors Alex Fletcher, Lisa Faulkner, Mark (more)...