BBC 'orders Adrian Chiles to shave'

BBC bosses have reportedly ordered Adrian Chiles to shave off his beard.

The presenter debuted his new hairy look on The One Show earlier this month, but it is thought that executives believe it is "inconsistent" with his role on the evening programme.

A source told The Sun: "Adrian's bush has not gone down well with petty-minded BBC execs. They reckon he doesn't look right, a bit scruffy, like he hasn't bothered to get ready properly."

However, Chiles has indicated that he would like the beard to stay as he believes it is popular with The One Show's fans.

He explained: "I was just about to shave it off in our make-up room when Kirsty Young told me to leave it on. Since then Davina McCall has told me she liked it. And Kate Silverton called me over to tell me I looked hot, though I don't think she had her specs on at the time. Women and many gay men have told me it looks good, so it's staying."

Bearded stars Justin Lee Collins and Noel Edmonds have now claimed that Chiles should be allowed to keep his new image. Labour MP David Blunkett has also backed the star.