Edmonds 'does have a TV licence'

Edmonds talked of the UK as having an "aggressive culture"

Presenter Noel Edmonds still has a TV licence, despite claiming he had cancelled it, TV Licensing says.

The 59-year-old declared last week he had stopped paying it in protest at the BBC's "threatening" manner towards those who do not have licences.

"TV Licensing has checked its records and can confirm we have a valid current licence on record for his address," a spokesman said.

A spokesman for Mr Edmonds said TV Licensing had their facts wrong.

"They have completely not issued Noel Edmonds with a TV licence. He has not got one," spokesman Mark Borkowski said.

"He would be very encouraged to sit down with any member of the public, or a senior member of the BBC, and make them understand how threatening this is," he added.

'Incensed'

When asked by the Press Association if it was a matter for the government, as it sets the licence fee rather than the BBC, Mr Borkowski said: "Possibly. He will happily talk to anyone."

Edmonds said at the time that he was protesting against "an aggressive culture in the UK".

"Auntie's put boxing gloves on. I'm so incensed by the idea that I'm guilty of something that I actually cancelled my licence fee a few months ago."

He added, in defiance of the maximum �1,000 fine for licence evasion: "They haven't found me and nobody's come knocking on the door."

The annual fee for a colour TV licence, which is set by the government, is �139.50. A black and white TV licence is �47.

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