More than 40 people have contacted a 24-hour hotline since it was set up on Thursday to receive allegations of sexual misconduct against ex-Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood.
An independent BBC inquiry, led by barrister Gemma White KC, is looking into what the corporation knew about Westwood’s conduct.
Ms White was appointed last August after an internal review found bosses should have further explored a string of sexual assault allegations against the hip hop DJ, nicknamed Big Dawg.
The confidential phone line, on 08000 121 838, is running until May 19 so that people had an opportunity to speak with her or her colleagues directly.
A spokesman for Ms White said: “We have received more than 40 calls since the phone line opened.
“We have not yet been able to speak to all callers and are in the process of following up.
“We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to contact the review and encourage others with relevant evidence to continue to do so.”
It has emerged that Westwood, who left the BBC in 2013, was interviewed under caution by the Metropolitan Police in March and April this year in relation to five sexual offences alleged to have taken place between 1982 and 2016.
The 65-year-old, who stepped down from his show on Capital Xtra in April last year, strongly denies the allegations.
Today's update on the Tim Westwood review includes confirmation of a new 24/7 confidential phoneline and a questionnaire to expand the ways in which people can come forward and participate in its call for evidence
— BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) April 20, 2023
More information ➡️ https://t.co/UDjMf44t4T pic.twitter.com/K3T5pYaJca
The independent inquiry, which has already seen more than 50,000 BBC documents, was expected to publish its findings in the spring.
But giving an update on its progress, Ms White said the review is taking “longer than many would have hoped”, and would be extended until June or July to allow for a “thorough review” of new information.
Announcing the new hotline, Ms White said: “I have recently been provided with material suggesting that there are people who want to contribute to the review by calling me, or members of the Linklaters review team, rather than having to email to make an appointment to speak.
“I have been working since November 2022 with Jahnine Davis, who is a safeguarding professional with particular expertise in violence against women and girls and safeguarding black children.
“We have discussed participation in the review and think that some people might prefer to speak directly to Jahnine rather than having to arrange a meeting with me.
“We have therefore set up a dedicated phone line which will allow people to contact Jahnine directly, or to speak to me if they wish.”
Last year, a statement from a representative of Westwood said: “Tim Westwood strongly denies all allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
“In a career that has spanned 40 years, there have never been any complaints made against him officially or unofficially.
“Tim Westwood strongly rejects all allegations of wrongdoing.”
