Tony Blackburn hopes to be involved in Radio 1 anniversary event as he makes first TV appearance since BBC sacking

VETERAN DJ Tony Blackburn has spoken of his desire to take part in Radio 1 anniversary celebrations - despite his sacking from the BBC earlier this year.

The radio star joined Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield on the This Morning sofa in his first TV appearance since he was given the axe in February.

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Tony, 73, was given the sack after director general Tony Hall believed his evidence to the Jimmy Savile sex abuse inquiry “fell short” of what was expected, alongside unfounded claims he'd seduced a girl of 15.

But speaking to Holly and Phil about returning to the broadcaster in January, Tony said: "Next year it's the 50th anniversary of the opening of Radio 1 and 2 - and I’m hoping to be a part of that."

On whether it was easy to go back, he added: "Yes.

"It's very difficult for me to talk about it. The BBC put out their statement, I put out mine, and we agreed to move on.

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"I've been with the BB a long time and it's great to go back and see my friends."

One the experience, he thanked everyone for their support.

"The public, they’ve been wonderful this year - I got a tremendous amount of support."

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He added: "It's been difficult, but like Alan Partridge I'm ‘bouncing back!’

"It's been challenging but now I'm moving on and looking forward to the future - there's no point in going back to the past."

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