BBC to erect John Peel plaque at HQ, despite claims DJ got underage girl pregnant

Egton Wing as been informally known as the 'John Peel Wing' for two years

John Peel, former Radio 1 DJ and pioneering champion of alternative music, in 1972 (Getty Images)

The BBC will honour the broadcaster John Peel with a plaque at its New Broadcasting House headquarters despite revelations about the Radio 1 DJ’s sex life, which emerged following his death.

Egton Wing at the refurbished Broadcasting House has been informally known as the “John Peel Wing” for two years.

However, a promised plaque has yet to appear following claims by a woman that Peel got her pregnant when she was 15 in 1969.

The revelations, which emerged after the discovery of Jimmy Savile’s abuse of young girls, threatened to further embarrass the BBC.

Peel, famed for championing experimental and innovative new music, died 10 years ago and his widow Sheila this week said: “It would be good to have a plaque there to commemorate him.”

A BBC spokesman said: “We intend to put up clear signage on the building which includes John’s name and will keep his family fully updated.”

Jane Nevin, the woman who said she had an affair with Peel and subsequently had an abortion, has asked the BBC to go ahead with the plaque, since the DJ was “nothing like Jimmy Savile”.

A annual BBC 6 Music lecture in Peel’s name has already been instituted and was this week delivered by Iggy Pop in Salford.