Presenter to return to Watchdog

Julia Bradbury said it had been a stressful time for her and her family

BBC Watchdog host Julia Bradbury will return to the show after being cleared by an inquiry into "suspicious" Virgin Atlantic air miles activity.

Ms Bradbury, 38, who had insisted she did nothing wrong, took voluntary leave until the matter was resolved.

She gave a statement to police over the investigation into allegations of theft and fraud made by Virgin Atlantic.

The firm is looking at "suspicious activity related to earning air miles and tier points" on loyalty cards.

Ms Bradbury said: "In February I voluntarily stepped down from my presenting duties on BBC One's Watchdog to protect a programme whose cause I feel passionate about.

The last eight weeks have been extremely stressful and upsetting for me and my family Julia Bradbury

"I have since provided a witness statement to the police in relation to their internal fraud investigation at Virgin Atlantic.

"The investigating officer wanted to talk to me as victim of fraudulent activity on my frequent flyer account and has confirmed that I am not a suspect.

"Virgin Atlantic has confirmed that the irregularities on my Flying Club account have been settled and have opened a new customer account for me.

She added: "The last eight weeks have been extremely stressful and upsetting for me and my family.

"With considerable help and support I have worked tirelessly to get to the bottom of a very complex situation. I look forward to returning to Watchdog on Monday 20 April."

Ms Bradbury has presented Watchdog since 2005 and has worked on a number of other BBC programmes including Countryfile and Accidental Heroes.

'Irregularities settled'

A national newspaper had claimed air miles were added to her account on several occasions instead of being deducted.

The value of the flights was said to be at least £20,000.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "A 38-year-old woman has attended Crawley Police Station and provided a witness statement with regard to the ongoing investigation into allegations of theft and fraud made by Virgin Atlantic in relation to the Virgin Flying Club."

The police investigations are believed to be centred on a Virgin Atlantic employee.

A spokesman for Virgin Atlantic said: "We can confirm that the irregularities on Julia Bradbury's Flying Club account have now been settled.

"Julia has now opened a new Flying Club account with us and we will welcome her on board in future.

"We cannot comment on the ongoing police investigation into several Flying Club accounts."

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