TV bosses are told to clean up their act as minister threatens legal crackdown over the protection of girls after the Russell Brand and David Walliams scandals

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy plans to meet broadcasters next week and has warned that the Government may legislate if they fail to protect women and girls from abuse and harassment in the entertainment industry. The intervention follows allegations about David Walliams and renewed scrutiny of how powerful, profitable television figures may have been able to avoid challenge.

Walliams denies claims of grooming schoolgirls, sexually assaulting a 15-year-old and seeking sex from teenagers, and says he is not a sexual predator; the allegations have not been established in court. An investigation by The Guardian and ITV News reported claims from teenagers and young women, while comedian Lucy Beaumont said a young worker had been tasked with taking girls to Walliams’ dressing room. Jonathan Ross apologised for an earlier joke about Walliams and a 15-year-old, saying he had been unaware of the conduct alleged.