The BBC’s Olympics coverage has been thrown into turmoil after a number of its staff pulled out of travelling to Brazil due to the Zika Virus.

Top sports news correspondent Richard Conway, one of the corporation’s on-air stars, is among an increasing number of journalists who have confirmed to have told bosses they will not be going to the Games.

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About a dozen more have threatened to follow his lead amid fears they could catch the disease, which can cause deformities in unborn babies.

Their decision could cause chaos to the coverage on the BBC, which is the sole free-to-air broadcaster of the event in the UK.

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A source said: “The BBC is putting a brave face on this, but it’s a nightmare for them.

“Obviously they can’t force anyone to go, and they absolutely wouldn’t because it’s such a sensitive topic, but it is a real headache.

“Losing someone of Richard’s calibre is a big blow, and it could get worse if more follow his lead.”

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A BBC spokesman said last night: “All deployments to Rio will be on a voluntary basis and, as with any major staff deployment, there will be people who are unable to travel for a variety of reasons.

“We have plans in place to ensure that we provide our audiences with the best possible coverage of the Olympic Games in Rio. We will not discuss individual staff members.”

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The development follows news last week that world number three golfer Jordan Spieth will not take part in next month’s Olympics.

The American is the latest high-profile player to pull out of the event in Rio, where the sport is making its return to the Games after a 112-year absence.

World number one Jason Day, number two Dustin Johnson and number four Rory McIlroy have all already pulled out because of fears concerning the Zika virus in Brazil.

The Olympics take place from 5 to 21 August, with the men’s golf tournament from 11 to 14 August.