Tony Blackburn's popular show on kmfm will be broadcast as normal this Sunday following his sacking by the BBC over a disagreement about his evidence to an inquiry into Jimmy Savile.

The DJ said he had been left 'devastated' by the BBC's decision, which he added threatened to destroy his career and reputation. He posted a message to his 66,000 Twitter followers this morning, thanking them for their support. He also thanked 'fellow broadcasters'.

The 73-year-old, who presents a weekly show for kmfm from studios on Medway City Estate, said he had been sacked because his evidence to Dame Janet Smith during the inquiry shows that a cover-up, of which he had no knowledge, had taken place.

BBC director general Tony Hall this morning confirmed that the corporation had "parted company" with Mr Blackburn.

He told a press conference: "My interpretation is that Tony Blackburn fell short of the standards of evidence that such an inquiry demanded."

Mr Blackburn says the Dame Janet Smith report contains details of an accusation that he was among a number of celebrities who seduced a 15-year-old girl.

He said he was cleared of any wrongdoing but claims the decision to end his contract relates to an investigation into the matter.

In a statement, he said: "In 1971 allegations were made by the mother of a 15-year-old girl whose diary apparently contained suggestions that she had been seduced by celebrities including me.

"I am told that the mother told the BBC, a few weeks after her initial complaint, that her daughter had withdrawn the allegation against me.

"I have never seen the diary and neither has anyone at the BBC or the Dame Janet Review.

"That same year this seemingly troubled teenager tragically took her own life.

"Dame Janet’s report makes no suggestion that I was guilty 45 years ago of any misconduct whatsoever with this girl. Nor did a Coroner’s inquest or a subsequent police inquiry into her death.

"The BBC have made clear that they are not terminating my relationship with them because of any misconduct. They are destroying my career and reputation because my version of events does not tally with theirs.

"I was not guilty of any inappropriate conduct; my lawyers will take immediate action against anyone suggesting that I was.

"According to BBC records seen by Dame Janet, I was allegedly interviewed about the girls’ diary before her death in 1971 by a very senior figure at the BBC, Bill Cotton Jr.

"I was also, supposedly, interviewed by Brian Neill QC as part of his report in to the Payola scandal at the BBC.

"I have repeatedly told Dame Janet and the BBC I was never interviewed by either man in this context and the BBC records are either very vague or have, conveniently, disappeared.

"Regardless of these facts, the BBC is axing me after five decades of broadcasting.

"Sadly what is happening to me now seems to be entirely in keeping with the past BBC culture of whitewash and cover up."

Dame Janet's report was released at 10am today. She referred to a “culture of fear” at the BBC where celebrities were "treated with kid gloves and virtually untouchable.”

Making a statement on the inquiry's findings, Lord Hall said the corporation was "too hierarchical" to act properly over abuse claims against Savile.

Speaking about Mr Blackburn, he said this was "one of the most important inquiries in the BBC's history and that has put an even greater responsibility on everyone who took part in that inquiry to co-operate fully and to be open."

He added: "So many survivors and witnesses have honestly and openly co-operated fully and at great personal cost to themselves.

"As Dame Janet has said, she's rejected his evidence and she's explained very clearly why. I have to take that extremely seriously."

Responding to Mr Hall in a second statement this afternoon, Mr Blackburn said: "Given Dame Janet Smith's concerns of a culture of fear in coming forward at the BBC, the fact that I have been scapegoated for giving my honest account and best recollections of those events 45 years ago - which I felt was a whitewash - what whistleblower at the BBC would ever come forward when they see the way they have hung me out to dry?

"Sadly today's news agenda should have been about the survivors of abuse carried out within the BBC but, by sacking me, they have managed to take the focus off those who have suffered so much."

kmfm today confirmed that Mr Blackburn's weekly show for the station would broadcast as usual from 4pm this Sunday.

KM Group editorial director Ian Carter said: "Tony is a popular and talented colleague, and retains our full support."